Paddington Novels 1-3

think it’s super,” exclaimed Jonathan, excitedly. “Bags you take my picture first, Paddington.”
    “I’ve only got one plate,” said Paddington decidedly. “Extra ones cost a lot and I haven’t any pocket money left – so I’m afraid you’ll all have to be in a group.”
    “It certainly looks most complicated, and rather large for a bear,” remarked Mrs Brown as Paddington screwed the camera on to thetripod and then adjusted the legs so that they were the right height. “Are you sure you’ll be able to work it?”
    “I think so,” said Paddington. His voice became muffled as he disappeared underneath the black hood at the back. “Mr Gruber lent me a book all about photography and I’ve been practising under the bedclothes.”

    Mr Gruber, who kept an antique shop in the Portobello market, was a close friend of Paddington and helped him with all his problems.
    “Well, in that case” – Mr Brown took charge of the situation – “I suggest we all go on to the lawn and let Paddington take our picture while the sun’s shining.” And he ledthe way outside while Paddington bustled around erecting his camera and tripod.
    In a few moments Paddington announced that everything was ready and he began arranging the group as he wanted them, running back to the camera every now and then to peer at them through the lens.
    Because the camera was so near the ground he had to put Mr Brown crouching in a rather uncomfortable position behind Jonathan and Judy, with Mrs Brown and Mrs Bird sitting on either side.
    Although he didn’t say anything, Paddington was a bit disappointed with the view through the camera. He could just recognise Mr Brown because of his moustache, but the others were much more difficult. Everyone seemed blurred, almost as if they were standing in a fog. It was strange, for when he took his head out of the cloth it was quite sunny outside.
    The Browns waited patiently while Paddington sat on the grass and consulted his instruction book. Almost at once he discovered a very interesting chapter headed focus. It explained how, if you wanted nice clear pictures, it was important to make sure the camera was the right distance away, andproperly adjusted. It even had a picture showing a man measuring the distance with a piece of string.

    Several minutes went by, for Paddington was rather a slow reader, and there were a number of diagrams to examine.
    “I hope he’s not too long,” said Mr Brown. “I think I’ve got cramp coming on.”
    “He’ll be disappointed if you move,” said Mrs Brown. “He took such a lot of trouble arranging us all and it really looks very nice.”
    “That’s all very well,” grumbled Mr Brown. “You’re sitting down.”
    “Ssh!” replied Mrs Brown. “I think he’s almost ready now. He’s doing something witha piece of string.”
    “What on earth is that for?” asked Mr Brown.
    “It’s to measure you,” said Paddington, tying a loop in the end.
    “Well, if you don’t mind,” protested Mr Brown, when he saw what Paddington was up to, “I’d much rather you tied the other end on to the camera instead of this end to my ear!” The rest of his sentence disappeared in a gurgle as Paddington pulled the string tight.
    Paddington looked rather surprised and examined the knot round Mr Brown’s ear with interest. “I think I must have made a slip knot by mistake,” he announced eventually. Paddington wasn’t very good at knots – mainly because having paws made things difficult for him.
    “Really, Henry,” said Mrs Brown. “Don’t make such a fuss. Anyone would think you’d been hurt.”
    Mr Brown rubbed his ear, which had gone a funny mauve colour. “It’s my ear,” he said, “and it jolly well does hurt.”
    “Now where’s he going?” exclaimed Mrs Bird, as Paddington hurried off towards the house.
    “I expect he’s gone to measure thestring,” said Jonathan.
    “Huh!” said Mr Brown. “Well, I’m going to stand up.”
    “Henry!” said Mrs Brown. “If you do I shall be very cross.”
    “It’s too late anyway,” groaned Mr Brown. “My leg’s gone to sleep.”
    Luckily for Mr Brown, Paddington arrived back at that moment. He stared hard at the sun and then at the waiting group. “I’m afraid you’ll have to come over here,” he said, after consulting his instruction book. “The sun’s moved.”
    “I’m not surprised,” grumbled Mr Brown, as he sat on the lawn rubbing his leg. “At the rate we’re going it