Another postcard from Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby reveals that they are still alive and have survived their crocodile-infested kayaking excursion. The children are disappointed to hear that their parents described them to the nanny as annoying and greedy, and completely forgot to mention Jane at all. Tim assumes that his parents did that on purpose in order to swindle the nanny out of a higher salary. The nanny agrees with the children’s assessment that it would be better for everyone if Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby were to meet their end; if this were to occur, the children would be rich and the nanny would become their caretaker. Tim continues reading the postcard, which asks the children to leave their clothes behind when they move so that their parents can sell these belongings. Hearing this, the nanny suggests stealing and selling Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby’s clothes instead.

In a little village in Switzerland, there is a post office run by a postmaster named Hans-Peter. He works and lives alone, except for his dog, and spends his days sorting mail. Every day, a woman and her son come into the post office to check for letters, but none ever arrive.