When the Kehua Calls: Part 4

By KINGI McKINNON

Its blank, glassless windows stared right back. Like a pair of haunted eyes, I remember thinking at the time. And between them, wide and cavernous, its gaping portal yawned like a toothless mouth.

I felt a tug at my jacket, and jumped slightly.

"Cheer up, sweetheart," Mum pleaded. Her eyes were soft and glistening and I knew my approval meant the world to her. "I know it doesn't look much right now," she sighed, "but just you wait. As soon as Dad and Uncle Reuben get done with it, it's going to look fabulous. Isn't it, darling?" she said to Dad.

"You bet your blinkin' bootees it will," Dad promised. "A new roof, new weatherboards, and a darned good lick of paint. That's all the old girl needs. And once Mum and Aunty Wiki weave their own bit of magic into it... hoohoo! She'll be a right little castle, boy. You just wait and see. It'll all be yours one day, too."

Publisher: Scholastic

Price: $13.95

Age group: 10-14 yrs

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