The truth was out.....

Hector was hanging up his socks on some handy twigs, 'a gentle drizzle the best rinse there is, makes for softer socks don't you see?' he proudly announce to a very out of breath Archibold. Archibold had to agree, soft socks meant less aggravation of tender toes, and that had to be a good thing. 'What's up Archie, you look all of a bother, fancy a cup of tea?

Archibold knew that however bothered he felt, everything would seem better after a cup of tea, so he sat down next to the little fire and watched as Hector boiled the kettle, made a pot of tea in his best red teapot and toasted two thick slices of toast. 'Fancy a bit of jam or honey?' Archibold nodded, how was he going to tell his friend that he was going to dessert him and return home?

The gnomes were hidden from sight behind some large rhododendron bushes in the park, they had taken to getting up at first light to make sure that their fire wouldn't attract attention. 'The thing is, Hector, I just can't bear all this rushing about and having to be so careful to hide all the time, and I miss Hortensia and Harriet more every day!' Well there it was the truth was out and Archibold sat waiting for his friend to reply.

'It's true' said Hector after a while, 'even with our merge and flow skills it can be a strain to keep out of sight, plus you are not used to this way of living, you have, after all lived in the Forest most of your working life. Archibold nodded, slowly a large tear began to trickle down his cheek, 'I am so sorry to let you down Hector - but I want to go home  - now.' Hector looked at his poor woebegone friend, ' it's all right Archie, off you go, all will be well here, there is plenty of us to finish all the planting and you have done more than your share of the work.'

Archibold perked up at this, he knew that he had been working hard, the truth was that the harder he worked the less likely it was that he had time to miss his home! 'Off you go now, I'll tell the others, best be on your way before the sun is up, good luck and I'll see you soon!' The two gnomes hugged and Archibold rushed to stuff all of his clothes and belongings in a terrible muddle into his rucksack and barely rolled his hammock as he slung it by his side. 'Best not forget some provisions!' Hector handed Archibold some biscuits and cheese and some wrinkled crab apples, 'give my love to everyone at home.'

Archibold smiled his most happy of smiles and was gone!