Charlie Bone and the Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo

Author:Jenny Nimmo
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: England, Science Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Children's Books, Mysteries & Detective Stories, General, Fantasy, English fiction, Schools, Magic
ISBN: 9781405225441
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 2006-06-15T08:00:23.408000+00:00

"No," said Charlie. "We're human."

"I know that," the man said impatiently "Where are your companions? No one's allowed in without an animal, bird, or reptile."

"Oh." Charlie's face fell.

"We've got a dog," Benjamin piped up. "He's over there, talking to a labrador ."

"One animal each," said the man. "Otherwise, out!" He pointed to the door.

Paton was finding it difficult to concentrate on his book. He held it even closer to his face in his efforts to avoid looking at the lights twinkling in the low ceiling. "Ahem," he muttered. And then, in a low voice, "Smells awful. Let's go."

Charlie was just wondering what to do next when Gabriel appeared, holding a large wooden box. He took two gerbils from the box, handed one to Charlie and popped another in Paton's top pocket.

. " Er — no," Paton objected, touching a gerbil nose. But it was too late.

The large man said, "That's better," and ushered them up to the counter. Here they were faced with a difficult choice. All along the counter among plates of ordinary cookies there were bowls of sausages, cakes that smelled of fish, round pellets that could have been chocolate (or might not have been), and seeds of various sizes.

"I recommend the sausages," said Gabriel. "They're delicious."

"They look as if they could be for dogs," said Charlie.

"Probably are," said Gabriel. "They're still delicious. The gerbils love them."

"Cookies and three waters, please," said Charlie playing safe.

The man behind the counter said, "If it isn't Charlie Bone."

Charlie blinked. At last he recognized Mr. Onimous , the mouse-catcher. It was his pointy-toothed smile that gave him away He looked very different in his chef's white hat and apron. The last time Charlie had seen him he'd been wearing a fake-fur coat and a velvet waistcoat.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Onimous ?" Charlie asked.

"Giving my wife a helping hand," said Mr. Onimous . "It's her café, you know Her idea entirely Good, isn't it?"

"Brilliant," said Charlie. "But do the flame cats mind all these other visitors? I mean, they live with you, don't they?"

"The flames?" Mr. Onimous raised his whiskery eyebrows. "They're not often here, bless ' em . Far too busy with their own particular duties. They pop in around midnight for a quick bite and a snooze, and then they're off again. Unless they need me, of course. In which case I have to follow them."

"I see." Charlie paid for the food. It was very cheap.

"Good to see you, Charlie," said Mr. Onimous . "You take care, now!"

"You, too, Mr. Onimous ."

The line behind Charlie was growing, so he took his tray to the table where his friends were sitting. He had to push his way through a crowd of dogs before he could reach the table. Gabriel had chosen a place right beside the window and they were able to watch the strange assortment of customers approaching the café.

At the table beside them a tarantula crawled around a red straw hat. The woman wearing the hat seemed quite happy about the situation.

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