In Thunder's Pocket: Part 3

By JOAN AIKEN

'I have to go,' I said.

'Mum broke her leg falling off a ladder. She's in hospital. I have to stay with Uncle Adam and Aunt Lal. And I can't bring Crowner, he's my dog, because the house is small and they have a cat. A cat,I ask you!'

'Oh. Bad luck. Still, it won't be for long, will it? And there's lots to do in Thunder's Pocket. You like surfing?'

'Never tried,' I had to admit.

'They run classes. You can fish, too. Your uncle got a boat?'

'I'm not sure. He has a shop - Readables and Collectibles.'

I asked the boy if he lived in St Boan, and he said no, half a dozen stops farther on.

'At Wicca Steps.'

I was disappointed I had taken to him. There was something easy and sensible and plain-spoken about him.

'What's your name?' I asked.

'Eden,' he said. 'My friends call me Den.'

'Do you ever come to St Boan?'

'Yes, I do come sometimes - when I'm asked!'

Publisher: Random House

Price: $14.95

Age group: 8 + years