Stella Steller in 'The Mystery of the Haunted House": Part 5

By SIMON GRANT, Illustrator KATE WELLS

Fester looked down at some crumbling barnacles by his right foot and said nothing.

"I'm sorry, Fester," said Stella quickly. "I forgot. I'm one of your friends."

Fester dabbed his eyes with a spotted handkerchief. "I'd better go now," he sniffed, "otherwise my parents will begin to fret. They don't like me mucking about on the beach."

"Good luck with the spinach, Fester," called Stella, as he hurried away. "And don't worry about this sea monster business. I'll sort it out."

Stella pulled in her bottom, and turned back to Tim. But there was nothing to see in the rock pool, except a cloud of black ink.

"I'm going to need some help," said Stella, and she put away her prickly notebook and headed for home.

Publisher: Breaksea Productions, $14.95

Age group: 5-9 years