Nearly there!

And it's down to the final four... Here are 400 more words. What's going to happen??? (I think I know now!)
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“What do you mean?” asked Charlotte.
“Look at what just happened,” said Troy. “Sixpence knew the stranger was coming before we did. You saw his reaction.”
“He did the same thing when he saw the owl at home,” said Charlotte, remembering. “He hissed at it and tried to chase it away.”
“That’s even better,” said Troy. “We all saw the owl first anyway. It would make sense that the stranger would send it out before him.”

Charlotte shivered.
“What’s the matter?” asked Troy. “Are you cold?”
“No,” said Charlotte. “I just realized – it’s really like we are being hunted, isn’t it? The owl went looking for its prey and led it back to the hunter. I don’t like the feeling that I was someone’s prey. And now we have to wait to see if James is the next to be captured.”
“No we don’t,” said Troy. “Let’s get everyone together. I’ve got an idea.”
******
Later in the afternoon, James gripped Hannah’s hand as they began their return trip up the hillside. “Now you mustn’t worry,” said Hannah. “You won’t be alone. Remember that. We will all be there, out of sight. As soon as the passageway opens, we will follow you through.”
James nodded. “I know,” he said. “Just…” he hesitated.
“Just what?” said Hannah.
“Just don’t forget it will take me a while to walk through. The entrance will probably close quickly again. You will have to run fast.”
Hannah squeezed his hand tightly. “It will be all right,” she said.
I hope so, thought James. Before he knew it, the rocks came into view.

******
Sixpence began to growl and seconds later, the owl left the tree and began circling above them. It circled twice and was gone.
“Right,” said Troy. “That was my signal.” He patted Sixpence and stood up. He smiled at Charlotte. “You and the others know what to do?” he said.
“Yes,” said Charlotte. “We will meet you there.” Just as Troy turned to go, she grabbed his hand.
“Be careful,” she said.
Troy squeezed her hand. “I will be,” he said. “See you soon.”
Charlotte and the other children watched as he disappeared down the path, his eye on the owl ahead.
As soon as he had gone, Clara scuttled over and snuggled close to Charlotte’s side.
“Don’t worry,” said Charlotte. “We’ll be going home soon.” I hope, she added silently.