Black Gold: Part 5

By JULIA OWEN, Illustrator KAI BRETHOUWER

Rimu started to sort through Ollie's gear.

"I'm not leaving Mum's Anzac biscuits behind," Ollie said, clutching a bag to his chest.

"Good." Rimu grinned. "Biscuits are a necessary part of our diet."

Rimu's father lifted the packs into the back of the ute, then whistled. A small patchwork dog, the size of a large cat, ran from under the house and leapt into the tray of the ute.

"Hey, Ratty!" He rubbed the dog's ears. "Now you keep an eye on those two. I'm putting you in charge."

Ratty cocked his head, blinking, as if he understood.

"Dad!" Rimu scowled. "Why do we have to take that dumb dog anyway?"

"Because a dog is a man's best friend when you least expect it. Also, Ratty probably has more sense than you two put together." Dave pulled open the ute door and climbed in. "You two coming?"

Birds sang a morning chorus as the ute backed down the drive. Dave put on his Patsy Cline tape and Ollie started to sing along.

Publisher: Scholastic, $13.95
Age group: 9-12 years