You are not as old as I am, so hold on to me well in case the stairs are slippy." They went out on the landing very quietly, "not to make any fuss", as Terry said, and made for the gate at the top of the stairs.

Terry knew the trick of the hasp and it was quickly opened, and away they went, down flight after flight, into the yard.
"Oh, I say, it _is_ wet!" said Turly, as they paddled across the yard with the rain pouring on them.
"Hush!" said Terry, "or someone will hear you and come running to prevent us.

And it can't be any harm.

It will be such a delightful treat for poor old Vulcan!" Turly said no more, and the two children stood with the rain drenching their hair and clothes, and almost blinding them, as in silence they unfastened the chain that held Vulcan to his kennel.

The dog was scarcely able to believe his senses when he felt the little soft hands pawing at his neck, and as soon as he was free he jumped on them wildly, embracing them with his hairy arms and covering them with mud.
"Quiet, now, Vulcan!" said Terry softly.