Books

Chapter one

A Strange Message

Otto Lidenbrock is the famous professor of geology at the University of Hamburg, in Germany. He is also my uncle. He is sixty-five years old, not very tall, with grey hair. He wears small round gold glasses that make him look very serious.

I'm Axel. I'm only nineteen and the professor's personal assistant. I watch my uncle very carefully when he works. That's why I know so much about our planet - Earth.

My uncle, the professor, is a hard worker. He spends most of his day in his laboratory at the University, so he never comes home before two o'clock for lunch. But yesterday, he came home very early. This surprised Martha, our cook. The poor old girl did not have the lunch ready and she was a little upset.

"Professor, you're early!"

"Never mind, Martha. I don't want lunch today."

"But, professor, you must eat!" The professor looked excited.

"Martha, food is not important." Then he turned to me. "Axel, come with me."

He took me into his library. It was a big room with lots of bookcases against the walls and heavy velvet curtains in front of the windows. In the middle of the room, there was a desk where my uncle spent most of his evenings.

He took an old book out of his coat pocket. He looked at me.

"Axel, look at this! Look at this!"

I took it from his hand. Its cover was hard and it looked very old.

"Why, what is it professor?"

"I found it today in an old bookshop. It's seven hundred years old."

"What's it about?"

"It's about the old princes from Norway who came to live in Iceland."

"Why is that so special?"

He smiled and said, "Because it is written in a language that no one uses anymore."

I opened the book and saw strange letters from a strange alphabet. I did not understand any of it. I turned its yellow pages and a piece of paper fell out of the book onto the floor. The professor jumped on it.

"What's this?"

It was an old yellow piece of paper with the same strange letters on it. The professor knew many languages, but he could not read this old language from Iceland. He took a thick book from one of the shelves. It was a dictionary for all the old languages in the world which people do not speak today. Then, he gave me a piece of paper and a pencil.

"Axel, write down these letters as I read them to you."

The professor read each letter to me and I wrote them down.

When we finished, this is what they said:

Go into the volcano at Sneffells Yokul. Before the first of July, the sun will show you the way to the centre of the earth. Make this journey. It is fantastic.

The name under this strange message was 'Arne Saknussemm'.

"Arne Saknussemm! I don't believe it!"

"Who's she?"

"He was a famous scientist. He wrote many strange things about the earth, but no one believed him. They said he was crazy. This must be the answer to the things he said. He left this piece of paper in the old book for someone to find. Do you understand, Axel, how lucky we are?" Then, he turned to the library door. "Martha!" I couldn't understand any of the things my uncle said.

"What do you mean, we?"

Martha opened the door to the library.

"Did you want me, sir?"

"Yes, Martha. I want you to buy us two train tickets to Denmark. Master Axel and I are going to Iceland." This was the biggest surprise of my life!

"What?! Uncle, I can't go." The professor looked at me calmly.

"You can and you will."

Chapter two

Grauben

There is a seventeen-year-old girl living in our town. I think she is the most beautiful girl in Germany. She's got long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Her name is Grauben, and we are in love. We want to get married. That's why I didn't want to go with my uncle on his mysterious trip. But he couldn't understand that.

"Are you in love with Grauben?"

"Yes."

"And you want to marry her?"

"Yes."

The professor was silent. He was a good man, but he could not understand love because his only interest was science. He forgot what I said and began to talk about our journey.

"Today is the 26th of May. We have one month to get to Sneffells. We're going to take the train to Denmark, and then we'll take a boat to Iceland. The whole trip is going to take twelve days, then we have to walk to the volcano."

I could not listen to him anymore. My heart felt heavy. The professor needed an assistant and he did not want anyone else to know about this secret. But how could I leave my Grauben?

I went for a walk through the beautiful city of Hamburg. I walked along the Elbe river thinking of Grauben. I stopped for a moment to look at a fishing boat sailing on the calm water. Then I turned and, like magic, she was there. Grauben, my Grauben, stood twenty feet away, looking at the river.

"Grauben!" She looked like an angel.

We ran into each other's arms and kissed. "Oh, Axel! I'm so excited!" She sounded very happy, but I couldn't understand why. "Excited? Why are you excited, my love?"

"I was at your house. I heard about your journey. Isn't it wonderful?"

For a moment, I felt sad. So, Grauben wanted me to go away from her!

"But, Grauben, we want to get married. I don't know when I'm coming back."

She looked at me lovingly and held my hand.

"It doesn't matter. I'll still wait for you. Don't you understand? This is the kind of journey all great men must make. When you come back, you're going to be famous like your uncle. Then, our life will be perfect together."

"Do you really mean that?" She touched my face and smiled. "Of course I do."

"Oh, Grauben, you are the most wonderful girl in the world!" Back at my uncle's house, I felt excited. Then, I thought of something. Maybe this adventure was too dangerous. Maybe we wouldn't come back. I ran into the library where my uncle was. "Uncle, is it possible that we won't come back from this journey?" His answer didn't make me feel any better. "There's only one way to find out, Axel..."

Chapter three

Iceland

It was very early in the morning when the boat got to Iceland. We could see the round body of the Sneffells Yokul volcano going up into the sky through the clouds. It had snow near the top, and it looked like an angry monster waiting for someone to try and climb it.

The boat stopped at Reykjavik. It was a small town with small brick houses. Mr Fridriksson, a professor from the university there, met us at the boat. He looked very friendly and smiled when he saw us.

"You must be professor Lidenbrock."

"And you must be professor Fridriksson. This is my assistant, Axel." We shook hands.

"You got my letter, then."

"Oh, yes, professor, and everything is ready for you. Please, come with me."

My uncle did not tell anyone the real reason for our journey. He wanted the two of us to be the only ones to travel to the centre of the earth. But we needed someone to go along with us as we didn't know the area, and the ice and snow around the volcano was too dangerous. So, Mr Fridriksson found us a guide. His name was Hans and he looked perfect for the job. He was tall and very strong. He had small blue eyes and long red hair. He almost never smiled or spoke.

Mr Fridriksson introduced us.

"Professor Lidenbrock, this is Hans. Hans, professor Lidenbrock and his assistant, Axel."

Hans moved his head just a little to say hello.

"Hans is a very quiet man, like most Icelanders, but he is the strongest and best climber in Reykjavik." My uncle smiled at Mr Fridriksson's words.

"He's just perfect, Mr Fridriksson."

Mr Fridriksson let us stay at his house until we were ready to leave. We needed many things for our adventure. We took four horses to travel to the mountain. The professor and I each rode one, but Hans walked. The other two horses carried our bags.

We took a lot of things with us: rope for climbing, tools, lights, guns, medicine and enough food for six months. The only problem was we could only carry enough water for one week. The professor believed there was water under the volcano, but what if there wasn't?

We left Reykjavik on the 15th of June, early in the morning. We travelled along the sea and it was a wonderful journey. The land had a dark colour from the explosions of the volcano, and the beautiful blue sea next to it made it look fantastic. The journey to Sneffels took us six days, and each day we stopped in a different village for the night. The villages were small and very pretty, built at the foot of the volcano, next to the sea. The villagers were very nice, but, like Hans, they did not talk much.

When we got closer to the top of Sneffels, I thought of something.

"Uncle, what happens if the volcano explodes again?"

"No, that's impossible. This volcano had its last explosion in 1229. I checked the ground. It's impossible."

"But..."

"Axel, I am a scientist. This is a fact. There is nothing more to say."

It was now eleven o'clock at night and we were at the top. We stopped and found a small place inside the opening of the volcano where we could sleep. That night, I had a dream. I saw that I was alone inside the volcano. I was lost and very scared. Suddenly, the volcano exploded and I was shot out of its top like a rock!

Chapter four

Inside the Volcano

The mouth of the volcano was one mile wide. We tied a rope around each other and began to climb down. Hans went first. The inside of the volcano looked like the inside of an ice-cream cone. Its opening became smaller as we went down because of the rocks left there after explosions.

The bottom of the volcano was 2,000 feet down. When we got there, I looked up and saw the opening at the top. It was a perfect circle of clear blue sky.

There were three holes in the floor of the volcano. Each of them was about a hundred feet wide. The explosion of rocks and hot lava once came through these holes and then out through the top. Now, they looked like dark caves. I looked at the holes and then turned to my uncle.

"Which one do we take?"

"I don't know. Arne Saknussemm said the sun touches one of them at the end of June. Today is June 25th. It is too late to see the sun today. We must wait until tomorrow."

"What if it's cloudy tomorrow?"

"Then, we will wait again. But we only have five more days. In July, the sun is too low. It cannot reach the bottom of the volcano."

"Then, we can go home?"

"Axel, don't say such things! Tomorrow will be sunny, and we are going to the centre of the earth."

The next day it was cloudy. The professor could not believe it.

"Four days. We only have four days. Please, please, sun, come out, come out!"

The professor looked up at the sky with his arms open. The only thing he wanted now was to see the sun shine. I thought of Grauben and the danger waiting for my uncle and myself inside those holes. I hoped for rain.

Hans built a small house from the large rocks he found on the floor of the volcano. He never said much, but he always thought of something useful to do. I checked the rock of the volcano walls to see how old they were. Drops of water from the ice and the snow outside ran down the wall, and the sound they made inside was like music. Suddenly, the professor called out my name.

"Axel! Axel, come here." I ran to him curious to see what was there.

"What is it?"

"Look at this!"

There were two words on the wall of the volcano in the old Icelandic language.

"What does it say?"

"Arne Saknussemm. He was here. We're in the right place."

The next day, the sun came out, and at 1:13 in the afternoon, it touched the hole in the centre of the floor.

"That's it. That's the hole to the centre of the earth. Let's go."

Hans brought our bags, but there was one problem. We could not carry all of them and climb down the hole at the same time.

"What must we do now?" The professor took off his glasses and cleaned them while he tried to think of a solution.

"Well, we'll throw everything we don't need down the hole and we'll find it when we get to the bottom."

Hans threw the bags down the hole in front of us. We listened, but we never heard them hit the bottom.

Chapter five

Lost in the Tunnels

We put our rope through holes in the rocks on the sides of the walls, then climbed down. Hans went first, then my uncle, then me. Every two hundred feet, we found a flat rock to stop on. We pulled the rope down from above us, tied it to a new rock, then started again. We did this for almost ten hours. We travelled 2,000 feet down.

Finally, Hans said something.

"Stop!"

It was only one word, but it was nice to finally hear his voice.

"What happened?"

"We're at the bottom." The professor and I looked at him.

"Of what?"

"I don't know."

There was a turn in the hole. There was an open area like a cave at the bottom of the hole, which continued to the right. Our bags were there. After ten hours of climbing down, we were very tired. We decided to spend the night there.

In the morning, we continued our journey down.

The hole now opened and looked more like a tunnel. We did not need to climb because we could walk down this tunnel. We used our torches, so we could see the rock on the walls clearly. It looked like glass of different colours. Some of it was red, some was brown, and some was yellow. My uncle saw me looking at it.

"That's from the lava."

"It's beautiful."

"So, you're starting to enjoy our journey. There's more to see. Come along."

We walked for two more days and we found other tunnels. There were tunnels everywhere, but we did not know which was the right one. Unluckily, our water finished.

"Now, what are we going to do?"

"We're going to find a spring. There are many, but we have to go down further."

I could not move. I was very tired and thirsty and thinking of Grauben.

"Uncle, I can't go on."

"Axel, please. We are going to find water."

"Water!"

It was Hans' voice.

"What did you say?"

"Water!"

There was a loud sound behind the wall next to us. It sounded like the water of a river. Hans took a pickaxe and made a hole in the wall. Water came out onto the floor around us.

"I told you, Axel. Water! Ow! It's hot. Don't touch it. It needs air. We're too far underground."

The water was cold enough to drink after a few minutes and we all felt strong again. We continued our journey but I made a serious mistake. I was very excited about finding the water and I went first. I walked too far in front of the others and I got lost. I tried to go back, but I could not find them.

I shouted their names.

"Uncle! Hans!"

I could only hear my own voice in the tunnel. I was afraid. I ran. Then I fell. I fell through the air down a long tunnel. Then I hit my head and everything went black around me.

Chapter six

An Underground Water-World

When I opened my eyes, I heard the sound of the sea. The sun was high in the sky. But this was not possible! We were under the ground! My uncle stood over me. "He's OK, Hans."

I saw Hans smile. My head hurt. I touched it and I felt a bandage on it. I tried to speak, but it was difficult. "Where are we?"

"Don't speak, Axel. You had a terrible fall. We heard you screaming. We were in a tunnel next to yours. Luckily, the two channels came out here, on this beach."

My uncle sat down next to me and spoke with more excitement in his voice.

"Axel, we found an underground sea. There are trees here and the bones of animals that lived thousands of years ago. When you get better, we are sailing across this sea. Oh Axel, you can't imagine how happy I am!"

I could not move much for two days. I heard Hans building a boat for us to sail in, but I could not understand how there was light. The professor explained this to me.

"It is a mystery, like so many things, but it is something like electricity coming from the heat of these rocks. We are inside something like a giant cave. The top of it is a few miles high. There are even clouds because of the water."

I looked up and saw the clouds. I could not see the top of this cave, but it was difficult to believe that all of this was under the earth.

When I felt strong again, I took a walk along the beach. There were shells there from a time before man walked on the earth. I saw the bones of something which looked like a huge elephant. I thought, 'Can things live under the earth? Are there any animals alive down here?'

The boat was ready and we were ready to sail. We left the beach and a strong wind pushed us quickly out to sea. After a few hours on this strange sea, Hans tied the pickaxe to a rope and threw it into the water. The professor wanted to know how deep the sea was. It never touched the bottom. When Hans pulled it back into the boat, its metal head looked different. There were large marks on it.

"What's that?"

Hans looked at it closely.

"Teeth."

Teeth? Could something so big live in these waters? The professor looked at his compass.

"We are travelling south. If I am right, we left Iceland when we went under the volcano. We travelled under the Atlantic Ocean and now we are under Scotland."

"That's fantastic!"

"But we're still not going down. I want to go further down!"

Suddenly, there were huge waves rocking the boat.

"What's happening?"

Hans pointed to something dark about a mile away from us. It came closer and I thought I saw a giant dolphin. I was wrong. It was an alligator. It came closer and I saw that I was wrong again. It was something with the body of a dolphin and the head of an alligator. It was over one hundred feet long. Then, I saw a huge snake with a shell on its back like a turtle's.

We took the guns in our hands, but the animals did not care about us. They fought each other. It was a horrible fight.

We heard the snake hissing and the dolphin screaming.

They both dove under the water. Everything was quiet. Then, the snake's head came out of the water. It hissed one more time before it died in the water. But where was the monster dolphin?

Chapter seven

A Terrible Storm

Now, our journey felt even more dangerous. The professor was frightened, but nothing could stop him from going to the centre of the earth. Hans continued to sail the boat, but we did not see land. We travelled for hours, but we did not hear or see anything. Then, there was a sound like fast running water. We couldn't see it, but we could hear it.

It got louder. Then we saw it.

"Look, it's water shooting up into the air!"

"And it's coming from the body of a huge sea creature."

We tried to turn the boat, but the waves pulled us near the creature. For a moment, I thought that this was the end of our journey. The water went up 500 feet high into the air. An animal that could do this, could kill us easily. Then, we saw that the long black body we thought was an animal, was an island. It was like a small volcano, shooting up water, instead of lava.

"That's where all this water is coming from."

"Axel, check the temperature of the water here." I took a thermometer out of my inside jacket pocket and I put it in the water for a few seconds.

"163 degrees Fahrenheit."

"We're close to the centre."

"We can't go on, uncle. It's too hot."

"We must."

The electric light coming from the rocks over our heads began to make explosions. The clouds were now near the water. Small lines of light that looked like snakes exploded all around us. The waves were bigger now and pushed us away. I was very scared.

"What's happening?"

The explosions were too loud for us to hear each other.

"It's an electrical storm, Hans!"

Hans tried to keep the boat from sinking. The wind pushed us through the water like a race car. Suddenly, a large ball of white electric light fell on the boat. None of us could move. It held our feet with its electric power. We shouted to each other, but none of us could hear anything. The boat moved by itself, and there was nothing we could do. Suddenly, the ball of electricity exploded.

We all fell down and a huge wave threw us into the water.

Hans had the professor in one arm and me in the other. I don't know how he did it, but he got us to land safely. I began to think that all the energy he saved by not talking, made him the strongest man on earth.

The storm stopped and we saw the boat, still on the water, a hundred feet away.

Hans swam out to save our food and equipment. The professor and I tried to understand where we were.

"I think that sea is 800 miles wide."

"That means we went under Europe. The Mediterranean sea is now over our heads!"

"Let's wait for Hans to bring back the compass."

When Hans brought back the compass, the professor and I could not believe what we saw. It said we were north and not south. That meant the wind took us back to the place where we started.

Chapter eigth

A Lost World

We were on the north side of the sea again, but not on the same beach as before. For this reason, we began to look around to see what we could find. The professor didn't want us to stay there for long. He wanted to sail on the sea again.

"Professor, it's too dangerous! You saw what happened."

"I don't care, Axel. I did not come all this way to turn back now. We've got to see what's on the other side of that sea."

This beach was longer than the other one. Its rocks had more holes in them, and I thought this was because of earthquakes. There were many more bones and old shells on this beach.

"Look at all of this, Axel! We can read the whole history of the world from these bones."

There were skeletons of animals that are not living today. It was very exciting to see them out in the open and not in a museum.

"Axel, look! A human head!"

There, with all the other bones, was the head of a man. How did it get here? Did it fall down one of those holes like we did? Was that going to happen to us? The professor was excited.

"If other scientists could see me now! This could be the oldest skeleton ever found!"

We walked further down and the beach changed. Now, there were large trees and small plants around us. The further we went, the more life we found. Suddenly, I saw something move behind the trees. My uncle and I hid. It was a family of mammoths from thousands of years ago.

"Axel, can you believe it? There is another world under our earth!"

"But are there also people here?"

"Yes, look!"

I couldn't believe it. Walking behind the mammoths was a giant man. He was over twelve feet tall with long hair and a beard. He had a piece of animal skin around his waist.

"Should we try to talk to him?"

"No, he looks dangerous. Hans is not with us, and we don't have our guns. Let's go back to the boat."

We ran away quietly, so the prehistoric man did not see us. When we stopped running, we were back at the beach. I saw an old knife on a rock.

"Let's clean this and keep it. It could be useful."

"Axel, don't you understand what this is?"

"Yes, it's a knife."

"But it's made of metal. It is only two or three hundred years old."

"Do you mean..."

"Yes, Arne Saknussemm!" The professor saw a cave nearby. He ran to it.

"Axel, it's him!"

On the rock, next to the entrance of this cave, there were two letters in old Icelandic: A.S.

The professor looked very excited.

"This must be the entrance we are looking for."

Chapter nine

The Last Tunnel

Hans brought the boat to the end of the beach where the cave was. We tied it to a rock in the water and took our bags to the cave.

"Are we going to use the boat again?"

"I don't know. Maybe, if we come back this way. But, who knows where this new tunnel will take us."

We needed the boat sooner than we thought. We walked about twelve feet inside the cave, then we saw a huge rock blocking the tunnel. We couldn't understand it.

"How could Arne Saknussemm get around this rock?" The professor thought for a moment, and then he looked at the rock.

"Maybe it fell after his journey, in the last two hundred years, probably after an earthquake or a terrible storm."

"I wish there was another earthquake to move that rock from the entrance of the cave."

"Axel, that's it! We can use the gun powder to move this rock again."

"Do you think it will work?"

"There's only one way to find out."

We still had some extra gun powder with us for the guns. Hans made a hole in the rock with his pickaxe, then we put the gun powder inside. We used the rope to light it, but we made it very long to give us time to move back and hide.

The three of us got into the boat and moved fifty feet out to sea. We had no idea how big the explosion was going to be. Waiting for it made us very nervous.

"Maybe it won't work."

"Axel! Don't say those things."

We waited. Suddenly, the rocks on the beach opened like two curtains. The earth shook and everything fell into a huge hole. We fell back in the boat, and the final explosion made the sea rise in a huge wave which pushed us back to the beach. We were in the air, on top of the water, and the hole was below us. It looked big enough to take in all the world!

"We're going down into the hole!"

"That's what we want!"

"Not this way!"

We shouted because the noise of falling rocks was all around us and we couldn't hear each other. The boat moved like a train through the tunnel, then we crashed into a new river of fresh water. The boat went under and came back up so fast that there was very little water in it. I don't know how we stayed in it. We held onto the sides of the boat with all of our strength.

"Professor, where are we?"

"I don't know, but the water is taking us somewhere. We have no choice but to follow it."

"It's getting hot!"

The temperature was high. The walls had the red colour of lava.

"Are we under another volcano?"

When I finished my sentence, we heard a loud roar from behind us. Water and air pushed us forward faster. The walls began to shake and rocks began to fall.

"Professor!"

Then it was clear. We were inside a volcano and it was going to explode. I could see the blue sky through the round hole at the top of the volcano. There was one more terrible roar and we were flying up into the air!

Chapter ten

Back Home

The volcano threw us into the sea. Hans saved us again with his amazing strength. But where were we? It looked like the surface of the earth. There were small boats in the water and olive and fruit trees on the land. Behind us was the huge volcano. We saw a little boy. We tried to go near him, but he was afraid of us. After all our underground adventures, we looked horrible. The professor spoke to him in German, French and English, but he did not understand. Finally, the boy spoke in Italian.

"What did he say?"

"He said we're in Stromboli, Italy."

"You mean we went in one volcano in Iceland and came out of another in Italy?"

"Yes, and that one there is Mount Etna."

And that was how our journey ended. The professor was not happy that he didn't get to the centre of the earth, but when we got back to Germany, he felt better. Martha told everyone in Hamburg about our journey, and when we arrived, there was a big celebration for us. Everyone in Hamburg was at the train station when we arrived, but the only person I looked for was my Grauben. And I saw her, like a white light, moving past the others, until I could hold her.

"Oh, Axel, I'm so glad you're back. I thought of you every day and sometimes I was afraid, but somehow I knew you were all right."

"Well, I never felt that I was safe, but I did want to come back to you, every minute of every day."

There was a stage set up in the station, and the journalists who were there asked the professor to talk about our journey. Uncle Otto was tired, but he agreed.

"My nephew, Axel, and I are now back from an incredible journey."

We saw things that scientists still do not know about. There is life in the heart of this planet. There is water and beaches and trees. Arne Saknussemm, a famous scientist from the sixteenth century, was the first to travel under the earth. We are the second. I do not know if others will try this dangerous adventure in the future. If they do, they need someone like our guide Hans with them, or I'm afraid they will not survive.

For a moment, I thought I saw a smile on Hans' face as the people clapped and cheered. But, as usual, the quiet Icelander didn't say a word.

CHAPTER ONE

The New Teacher

My name is Jennifer Dale. My friends call me Jenny. I'm 16 years old and I live near Boston. My town is beautiful and very green. I live here with my parents and my dog, Fred. I go to school at Jefferson High and I want to become a journalist. In my free time I play volleyball and I listen to "heavy metal" music.

I want to tell you my story.

It was the first day of high school. I was excited. I already knew most of my classmates, but I didn't know my new teachers. I got up, ate my breakfast and went to school. On the street I met my friend, Dana; her house is near mine and we always walk to school together.

"I hope our new teachers are men. And I hope they're handsome!" Dana said. Dana loves talking about boys.

'Yes, I need something new and interesting in my life," I answered.

We arrived at school and went into our classroom. A young man was inside.

"Hello, boys and girls. I'm your new science teacher. My name is Mr Adams. I hope to work well with you this year."

Dana and I looked at Mr Adams. He was tall and thin. He had blond hair and brown eyes. He seemed friendly.

"We're lucky! I think he's a very handsome teacher!" Dana said to me.

"Yes, he is!" I answered. I looked at him and he looked at me. Our eyes met. "What's your name?" he asked, smiling. "Uh, Jennifer," I answered. I was a little nervous.

He turned to Dana. "And who are you?"

"I'm Dana!" Dana gave him a big, enthusiastic smile. At that moment the noise of an airplane attracted our attention. Everyone in the class looked out of the window, but the sun was in front of us. It bothered our eyes. We turned away from the window. Except Mr Adams. He was at the window and was looking directly at the sun. The sun didn't irritate his eyes!

"Gee!" I thought, "How can he look at it like that?!!"

The airplane then passed and the lesson continued. When the hour finished, another man walked in. This one had black hair and green eyes. His nose was small and pointed, and he had strangely high cheekbones.

"What a weird-looking teacher!" I said to Dana.

"Wow, you're right!" she exclaimed.

The teacher didn't smile and spoke coldly to the class.

"I'm your English teacher. I want you to be on your best behaviour this year. The lesson can begin. And remember, no talking!"

Everyone in class was evidently shocked, but no one said anything. Another student, Steve, raised his hand.

"What?" asked the new teacher in his cold voice.

"Excuse me, but what's your name?"

"Mr Stone," he answered. I then noticed that his voice wasn't just cold: it was metallic and monotonous! Dana looked at me with disappointment. She raised her eyebrows. "What's his problem?" she mouthed.

The lesson proceeded. Mr Stone read a poem from our English Literature book. His voice was weird, very weird. It had no emotion. It was almost robotic!

Someone touched me. It was Dana. "Isn't he horrible?" she whispered. I nodded.

The other teachers we met that morning were Miss Smith, the arts teacher, and Mrs Ching, who taught math. Both seemed nice. Miss Smith, in particular, was a very cheerful person.

CHAPTER TWO

Clues

I always eat lunch at school. That day I ate with Dana and Paul Miller, another friend from my class. Paul was a very intelligent boy. He was always the best in math. His parents were divorced and he lived with his father and his black cat, Apollo. He missed his mother. She lived with another man and didn't want to see Paul. His father was never at home, so Paul was very lonely. He didn't have many friends at school because he was too intellectual. He loved Apollo very much and spent a lot of time with him.

"What do you think about our new teachers?" I asked my friends.

"I think Mr Adams is very sexy!" said Dana.

"Did you see how he looked at the airplane? The sun didn't bother him!" exclaimed Paul. "You're right!" I said. "But did you hear Mr Stone? He speaks like a robot! His voice is cold and metallic!"

"He's unfriendly too!" added Dana. "That's true!" I said.

"Look!" said Paul. "Look what he's eating!" We looked at Mr Stone. He sat away from the other teachers and he didn't have a normal lunch. There was a glass in front of him. It was full of a dense, green liquid. There were some black pills in his hand. He put two of them in the glass. The green liquid started to bubble, and it changed colour: it started to become red! Then he took the glass and drank the mysterious red formula.

I looked at Paul and he looked at me. We were disgusted and frightened. Dana tried to be rational. "Maybe it's a new diet. Maybe that's why he's so thin!" she said. I didn't agree. There was something strange about Mr Stone.

That afternoon and the next day we met our other new teachers. We also had English again. Mr Stone came in and sat down.

"Miller. Paul Miller. Tell me something about yourself."

Paul was surprised. English teachers don't usually ask personal questions!

"Well, Paul? Don't you have anything to say?"

"Uh, well, I enjoy astronomy, I have a cat..." Mr Stone asked everyone to say something about their life and hobbies.

"Maybe he wants to create a relationship with us, but he's such a cold person! How bizarre!" I thought. Then, looking at him more carefully, I noticed something: his eyes weren't green anymore! They seemed a darker, different colour! I raised my hand.

"May I go to the bathroom?" I asked. As I walked towards the door, I looked at Mr Stone's eyes again. I was right! They were yellowish brown. They looked like amber!

CHAPTER THREE

Aliens

That afternoon I sat on my bed and thought about my first two days of high school. I wanted to know more about Mr Stone. I decided to go and visit Paul.

Paul was in front of his computer. He was very interested in astronomy, the occult, and life on other planets.

"Hi, Paul. What are you doing?"

I asked.

"I'm on the Internet. I'm in contact with the International Space Fan Club. Listen to this. Something very important is happening. A comet is passing through the Virgo constellation. There are the right connections for intergalactic meetings! The Earth has been in the Virgo constellation since last week."

"But what are intergalactic meetings?" I asked.

"They're voyages of aliens to our planet. These voyages can happen only in special moments, for example, when a constellation and a comet meet. Aliens can travel to our planet for different reasons. Sometimes they want to study us humans. Some people say that aliens may come to Earth to conquer the planet."

I looked at Paul with a shocked expression. An idea started to form in my mind.

"What's wrong, Jenny?" Paul asked.

"Maybe Mr Stone is an alien!" I exclaimed.

"Gee, aren't you exaggerating? Come on, get real!!"

"Well, his voice doesn't seem human, his eyes change colour, and do you remember the green liquid and the black pills he had for lunch?"

"What do you mean, his eyes change colour?" Paul asked.

"Didn't you notice? Yesterday they were green; today they're amber-coloured!" I answered.

"Even if his eyes change colour, I still don't believe he's an alien."

"But the comet explains everything: it entered the Virgo constellation last week, and Mr Stone is a new teacher. I talked to Dana's brother, Matt. He said that this is Mr Stone's first year at Jefferson High. No one knows where he comes from!" I said.

"Maybe..." Paul's eyes lit up. "Maybe that's why he asked us all those personal questions: he wants to study us!"

"Yes! You see, all clues indicate that he is an alien! So, what can we do?" I asked.

"We can spy on him. Maybe we can follow him to his house. We can see where he lives and what he does at home. However, we must be very careful. He doesn't seem to have emotions. He might get angry if he discovers we suspect him. We'll try to follow him tomorrow, after school, OK?" said Paul.

The next morning before school, I took Fred out for a walk in the park. Fred needs daily exercise, so my parents and I take turns walking the dog.

The park was empty. It was dawn. A lonely bird chirped in the trees. The grass was wet with dew. There was peace all around.

Suddenly, I noticed something, or someone, moving behind the bushes. I got closer to see who, or what, it was.

In the clearing, there was a man. He was looking up and his arms were raised; he bent down and touched the ground. Then he stood straight again, face and hands again directed to the sky. After about a minute, he turned around... It was Mr Stone! Was he communicating with the universe? With his planet? Was he really an alien?

I quickly walked away. Fortunately, Fred didn't bark.

I took my dog home and then met Dana. We walked to school. I wanted to tell her about Mr Stone, but I didn't. It was too difficult. Besides, I couldn't tell her about the afternoon plan, because it was too dangerous for three people to follow the teacher.

During the morning I thought about Mr Stone again and again. I was scared, but also excited.

CHAPTER FOUR

Too Much Imagination?

When the science class started, Mr Adams walked in.

"Come on, boys and girls. Today we're going to the science laboratory!" he announced.

In our lab there are some white mice and some hamsters in cages. As Mr Adams passed by their cages, they started to squeal loudly. They were very agitated. Mr Adams laughed. "What's wrong?" he said, speaking to the animals. "I won't eat you!"

Then he gave us some worms. "You must cut them into little pieces. The pieces can live and move independently," he said.

I looked at my worm. It was pale and slimy. I didn't want to cut it up.

"Jennifer. Are you afraid of cutting up your worm?" I looked up. Mr Adams was at my desk. He smiled down at me. "Give me your knife." I thanked him and gave it to him. His arm touched mine. It tickled. An electric shock ran through me and I jumped.

"What's wrong?" asked Mr Adams. He seemed frightened.

"N-Nothing," I answered, trying to smile. He helped me cut up my worm, then walked away. No one else in class had noticed anything. I didn't know what to think. Were all my teachers weird, or was I just too imaginative?

I wrote a note to Paul and told him what had happened.

"Paul!" I whispered. Paul turned and looked at me. I passed the note.

"Excuse me. What are you doing? Paul, what do you have in your hand?" asked Mr Adams. His voice made me freeze. We were in very big trouble.

"N-N-Nothing," said Paul.

"Please listen to the lesson. If I see you again, you must give me the note."

"I'm sorry," answered Paul.

WHEW!! I was so happy that I wanted to laugh.

Obviously, I didn't.

When the bell rang, Mr Adams called me to his desk. "Oh, no...," I thought.

He smiled. "I'm sorry I scared you; two years ago I had an accident. My left arm is artificial. It's an electric prosthesis and sometimes it can give electric shocks." He seemed a little embarrassed.

I was surprised and sorry; he was so sweet! I thanked him and went to lunch.

"Paul, forget what I wrote," I said, as I sat down at our usual lunch table. I told Paul and Dana about Mr Adams' electric prosthesis. Then Dana mentioned Mr Stone. Paul and I looked at each other, but we didn't say anything. Besides, after school, Dana had a dance club meeting in the gym, so Paul and I were free.

We finished our chocolate milk and went out to recess. At the door we met Mr Stone. His head was down; he seemed deep in thought.

"Hi!" Dana said to him.

"Oh. Uh, hi...," he said, surprised, lifting his head. His eyes were green again!

"Wow, that Mr Stone is really a mystery!" Dana exclaimed.

I still didn't want to tell Dana the whole story, so I changed the subject. Fortunately, the bell interrupted us. Before entering class at one o'clock, I took Paul aside. I quickly told him about what I had seen in the park.

"Wow... I wonder what we'll see this afternoon!" remarked Paul.

CHAPTER FIVE

Mr Stone

When the school day finished, Paul and I hid behind some bushes and watched the school gate. We saw many classes go home, and some teachers. But we didn't see Mr Stone. The minutes passed. "Maybe he went home by car," I said.

At that moment, through the bushes, we saw a man with black hair and very high cheekbones walk past.

"It's him!" I whispered.

"Wait! He mustn't suspect that we are following him," Paul said.

We waited two minutes. "OK. We can go," I said.

We followed him at a distance and finally we saw him go into a house. It was a pretty, pink, two-story building. There was a lawn in front of it and a big tree on the side.

We crept up to the window and carefully looked inside.

Mr Stone put his briefcase down and opened the refrigerator. He took out another bottle of that horrible green liquid and put it on the table. Then he went upstairs.

"Now what can we do?" Paul whispered.

"No problem! I can climb the tree!" I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Don't forget I play volleyball!"

"Be careful!"

I went to the tree. It wasn't very high and it was easy to climb. From my position I could see his room. Mr Stone was there.

"What's happening?" whispered Paul.

"He's sitting in front of a mirror," I said softly. "His hands are on his head... Oh no!!!"

"What? What?" asked Paul.

The teacher was totally bald, and his head was covered with disgusting, brown warts! I felt sick.

Suddenly I noticed my reflection in Mr Stone's mirror and Mr Stone noticed it, too! He brusquely turned around and stared at me. I was paralyzed with fear. My mouth fell open. I was expecting the worst. Instead, Mr Stone didn't look angry. He actually seemed very sad. He opened the window.

"You students think I'm weird. Come inside. I want to tell you something."

"Uh, Mr Stone, I'm terribly sorry...," I started to say. I was extremely embarrassed.

"Don't worry. Since you're here, please come in."

I climbed down the tree. Paul was very nervous.

"Come on, Jenny, let's go away before it's too late!"

"No, Paul. I'm going in."

"But...," I went towards Mr Stone's front door, so Paul followed. The teacher opened the door and made us sit down in his living room.

"Do you want something to drink?" he asked.

"No, nothing, thank you," I answered.

"W-What are those... warts on your head?" asked Paul, ignoring the look I gave him.

"These warts are the results of a throat tumor. You see, I started smoking as a teenager and I continued until the tumor. Chemotherapy made me lose all of my hair, and I developed these warts.

"You've probably noticed my voice.

Unfortunately, the tumor destroyed my vocal chords. So now I speak with a voice implant.

"The tumor has caused very serious changes in my life. I started to suffer from depression and I still see a psychiatrist. I also moved, hoping to start a better life in a new environment. In fact, I'm from Wisconsin. You see, I'm not married, and the illness has made me very lonely. People don't like illnesses; they stay away from sick people. Sick people bother them."

"Mr Stone, we really feel terrible about our behaviour," I said.

"Yes, we really apologise. We hope you can forgive us," added Paul.

"Don't worry! In a sense, I'm glad this happened. I haven't talked like this to anyone for a long time. You see, I want to be friends with my students. That's why I asked your class so many questions. But it's very hard for me to smile, or be cheerful. Try to understand, if I'm strict or unpleasant."

I smiled at Mr Stone. I was very moved.

"We understand," I said softly.

"May I ask you a question?" said Paul.

"Paul!" I exclaimed.

"It's OK. Ask me anything you want," answered Mr Stone.

"What's that stuff you eat at lunch?"

"Oh... Did that scare you? The green liquid and the black pills are part of my treatment. They include protein and other nutritional substances."

"And why, excuse my curiosity, were your eyes amber-coloured yesterday?"

"Well, I tried some coloured contact lenses. I wanted to do something different. I thought that a new look could make me feel better, but it didn't work."

"Mr Stone?" I began, "I saw you at the park, this morning..."

"Gee, I probably appeared very strange to you, with all those movements!" he said. "My doctor suggested early-morning exercise, in fresh, clean air. You really have watched me these last few days, I must say!"

Paul and I looked at each other. We felt rude and very silly. We were ashamed for being so inconsiderate.

"Well, Mr Stone, we don't know how to thank you for your hospitality and kindness," I said. "We really don't deserve it. Our behaviour..."

"That's enough, that's enough, don't worry. Thank you for your company. I'll see you tomorrow at school. And remember, if you ever want to come and visit me, you're always welcome."

"Thank you very much. We'll come again," said Paul.

Paul and I left Mr Stone's house, and walked home.

"Well, I think we've learned a lesson," Paul said. "We must remember that many people in this world are suffering; many people have problems; and, if they act in strange ways, there are reasons. There isn't an alien behind every bush. There's a person, just like you and me. And maybe this person needs friendship and a helping hand."

I looked at Paul with affection and admiration. His words expressed my own thoughts perfectly. We had let our imagination and superficiality dominate us. This made us forget human feelings and problems. I thought about Mr Adams and his artificial arm. Even in that case I had overreacted with my ridiculous suspicions.

"Hey, Paul," I said. "I want to celebrate! This adventure is over. I feel relieved. Let's go to the "Rainbow" and buy an ice-cream."

"OK, Jenny! Good idea!"

"Let's call Dana, too!" I added, thinking it was the moment to inform her about everything.

"Sure!"

We stopped at Dana's house and invited her.

CHAPTER SIX

Thanks to a Missing Watch

We sat down at the "Rainbow" and ordered three sundaes.

"Dana, we have news about Mr Stone!"

I said.

"Yes, although it's a very long story," Paul added.

We told her everything: the news on the comet and the intergalactic meetings; our plan to spy on Mr Stone; finally, the teacher's sad story.

Dana's expression went from surprised, to worried, to ashamed, during our tale. "Our class must be much nicer to him!" she said. "But this comet... maybe aliens will come to Earth!"

"Dana, please, I don't even want to hear the word 'alien'!" I exclaimed.

"Let's keep our eyes open for people in need, not for aliens!" Paul added.

"OK, OK, sorry!" said Dana.

From the window of the ice-cream parlor, I noticed that it was already dark. I looked at the time... my watch wasn't on my wrist!

"Oh no! My watch!" I exclaimed. Then I remembered. "I left it in the gym! I took it off at recess, to play volleyball. I must go and get it!"

"But, Jenny, I'm sure that the janitor will find it and put it in a safe place," said Paul.

"I don't trust him. That watch is so important to me. It was a gift from my grandfather. He's dead now, and it's the only thing I have of him. I must go to school immediately!"

"But the school's closed now!" Dana commented.

"No, not today. Mrs Ching is at school all evening, because she's preparing some math tests. I know because I heard her talking to Miss Smith."

"OK. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. I have to go home and start my homework," Paul said.

"Me too," Dana added.

We left the "Rainbow" and I went towards Jefferson High. The back door was open. I went in. Our gym is on the ground floor, but I didn't go there directly. Something stopped me. I felt a strange sensation. I didn't know what it was. Something wanted me to climb the stairs and go up to the classrooms.

I felt afraid. The school was dark and silent. I shivered. "Where am I going? Why am I climbing these stairs?" I thought. My heart beat faster and faster. Something terrible was at the top of the stairs - I sensed it - but what? I desperately wanted to run away and return home, but I couldn't. The mysterious force inside me made me go on.

On the third floor I heard a noise.

Someone was moaning! As I passed by the janitor's closet, the sound became louder. Someone needed help! I opened the closet. It was Mrs Ching! The old teacher was on a chair with her hands and feet tied. She was gagged and her eyes were open in terror.

"Mrs Ching!" I whispered. I took the cloth from her mouth.

"Help!" she said. "Someone is doing something wrong, and he, or she, is here now! The person is in disguise!"

"OK, Mrs Ching, stay here. Whoever it is mustn't suspect anything." I put the cloth back in the teacher's mouth and left the closet.

I looked around the second floor. I was terrified. Everything was silent. The long, dark hall was very frightening.

Then I noticed something: a light was on in the computer room!

I crept to the door. Someone inside was working on a computer. I could hear fingers clicking on the keys. Slowly, very slowly, I opened the door. Just a crack. It was Mr Adams! He was typing a kind of code on the screen. Was it a password? Then he took a small, plastic object from his pocket. It looked like a key. He inserted it in the diskette slot. The screen blacked out... It flickered. Then something appeared: it was the face of an alien!!!!

The alien had a green head and big, red eyes. It didn't have hair and it didn't have a nose. Its mouth and ears were very small.

Then Mr Adams put his hands on his head. He was pulling at his hair. It started to come apart! He was taking off his hair, and his face! A green, bald head surfaced: I realised that he was identical to the alien on the screen! He put his "face" on the computer table.

Then the false Mr Adams started talking.

"Klyreg calls base. Klyreg here. Klyreg calls base."

"ALTANK PILLEX, Klyreg. How is your mission proceeding?" said the alien on the screen with a mechanical voice.

"For now everything is OK. But I'm already tired of this mask, and I hate speaking this barbarian language!"

"English is not a barbarian language!" I thought angrily.

"I'm sorry, but your voice implant must stay inside you until the mission has finished. Then we can remove it. Tell me, does anyone suspect you?" said the alien.

"No, I don't think so. I had a small problem with an old math teacher, but I was in disguise, and I tied her up in a closet. So, everything's fine."

"Ha ha! You're wrong! I'm here now!" I thought.

"I hope you're right. Our mission can't fail. The spaceship must come this Friday. We'll land in the old, abandoned airfield. We'll wait for you there. By 9:30 p.m. you must be ready. You must have the two students to take to Mitrax. We can't be late. When the comet leaves the Virgo constellation, we won't be able to travel anymore. The intergalactic doors close on Friday, at midnight," said the alien on the screen.

"I know, I know. Don't worry. I must still choose the two students, but I think I know who I want."

"How will you capture the students? You can't touch them because you're electric."

"Aha! So the story of his prosthesis was a big, fat lie!" I thought.

"On Friday evening there is a family-teachers' meeting. During the meeting I'll leave the other teachers.

While the parents are listening to the teachers, I'll ask the students to come with me. I'll invent an excuse. Then I'll take them to the science lab and I'll spray them with my hypnotizing spray. Once they're hypnotized, they'll do everything I say. They won't be able to think, or rebel. We'll go out of the building by the fire-escape exit and walk to the airfield," said Mr Adams/Klyreg.

"I'm sure he wants me!" I said to myself.

"Be at the airfield by 9:30 p.m. then, Klyreg. Good luck. ALTANK PILLEX."

"ALTANK PILLEX, Gortz," said Mr Adams/Klyreg to the alien on the screen. Then he took the key out and the computer screen returned to normal. I silently closed the door and quickly went back to Mrs Ching.

"I can't tell you anything; it's for your own safety. Just act normally, and no one will hurt you," I said.

"Who..." Mrs Ching started to ask, but I escaped down the stairs and ran out of the building.

I stopped running when I was far from the school. My watch was still in the gym, but at that point I didn't care.

I had a lot of difficulty sleeping that night. I decided to tell Paul and Dana, but no one else: no one would believe me.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The Plan

The next day, as soon as I arrived at school, I went to the gym to look for my watch.

Fortunately, it was still there. At lunch time I took Dana and Paul to an empty table and started my story. I decided to get to the point immediately.

"Mr Adams is an alien!" I said.

"No, not again! Are you doing this on purpose? Because if you're not, you have a problem!" Paul exclaimed angrily. "I thought you wanted to stop all this. I thought you were ashamed of your behaviour! First Mr Stone, now Mr Adams!" he continued, while Dana raised her eyebrows incredulously and suppressed a smile.

"I know I seem crazy...," I said, feeling tears in my eyes.

"But I'm telling you the truth. I saw him with my own eyes! Please listen to me."

I told them everything, from my mysterious sensation to the conversation between Mr Adams/Klyreg and the alien on the computer screen. Both my friends looked terrified and shocked. They finally believed me. "Besides," I added, "do you remember how he looked at the sun? It's incredible!" I continued, "He's green and his name is Klyreg. Other aliens are coming in a spaceship on Friday evening.

They're going to land in the old abandoned airfield near our high school. They want to take two students with them to Mitrax!"

"Mitrax?" asked Paul.

"Yes. It must be the name of their planet."

"This Friday?" added Dana.

"Exactly. During the family-teachers' meeting. He's going to hypnotize them with a spray and take them on his spaceship."

"Today is Thursday! We only have a day to do something!" exclaimed Paul.

"I have an idea!" I said.

"What?" asked my friends.

"We can try to find the hypnotizing spray and take it away from him. It can only be in two places: somewhere in his house, or somewhere in the science lab."

"Good idea! This afternoon after he goes home, we can look for the spray in the lab; if the spray isn't there, tomorrow morning we won't go to school. We'll get into his house in some way and take the spray," added Paul.

"But we don't even know where he lives!" objected Dana.

"Well, we'll find out!" I said.

"So we want to steal his hypnotizing spray. Maybe Matt can help us. He has a key that opens all doors," Dana said. Dana's brother Matt is a policeman.

"Are you sure he'll give it to you? I don't think he'll believe this story," I said.

"Of course not! How can he believe something like this? I obviously have to steal the key."

"I hope he doesn't notice. Stealing a passe-partout from the police is a big crime," Paul commented.

"Yes, but it's the only way to enter where we want.

Don't worry. I'll be careful. Gee, Mr Adams is so friendly and handsome! It's difficult to believe that he's a horrible, green alien!

Well, this afternoon I'll get the key."

"Remember, don't say anything to anyone," I said.

"This is our secret."

"OK. Don't worry."

"I hope everything will be OK," Paul said.

We went to our afternoon classes. I couldn't wait for the day to finish. I was nervous and excited.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Paul's Decision

I constantly thought of the day before. I remembered when he took off his face. Behind that blond hair there was a bald, green head. Behind those brown eyes, two red ones. And behind the nose, nothing! I shivered.

After school, I went with Dana to her house. Paul, instead, stayed at school to make sure that Klyreg went home. When Dana and I arrived at her house, there was no one there.

"I hope Matt didn't take the key with him!" said Dana. We went in. Dana went to her brother's room. I heard her open many drawers. I crossed my fingers.

"Here it is!" Dana exclaimed.

"Oh, great! Now let's go back to school!" I said.

"Wait! My mom will be back soon. I have to leave her a note... I'll tell her I'm at the library," Dana said.

We went back to school. Paul was sitting on the steps.

"Has Klyreg left?" I asked.

"Yes. We can go in," Paul answered.

We went up to the science lab. When we arrived, we noticed that the door was open. Someone was whistling inside.

"Oh no! It's the janitor!" Paul whispered.

"Let's hide in the bathroom!" Dana suggested. "It's already been cleaned, so he won't come in."

We quickly entered the girls' bathroom and hid. After some time the janitor walked away. We heard him go down the stairs.

"OK, now!" Paul said.

We entered the lab and looked around. We opened the chemical cabinet with Matt's passe-partout and examined every container. There weren't any sprays or strange bottles. So we tried the refrigerator.

"What's this?!" I said. Inside the refrigerator there was a spray without a label. It was very difficult to open and it had a bizarre phosphorescence.

"Wow! It's probably Klyreg's hypnotizing spray! But how can we be sure?" Paul asked.

"We have to be sure that it's the right one. An error could be fatal. I have an idea! I can try the spray on my dog, Fred.

Fred hates taking baths and especially eating leftovers. I'll spray him. If he doesn't protest, we have the right spray!" I said.

"Excellent! Please phone me after and tell me the results!"

Paul said.

"I want to know, too!"

Dana added.

We carefully went out of the lab and left the building.

When I arrived home, I prepared a big bath for Fred. "Fred! Freddie!" I called. The dog was in the garden. When he saw me with the big basin full of water, he barked and howled. He ran inside his dog-house.

"Silly dog!" I thought. I took the spray, went to the doghouse and sprayed Fred. Then I called him again and I pointed towards the water in the basin. What a surprise! Fred calmly came out of the dog-house and jumped into the water! After Fred's bath I went to the refrigerator and took out some leftovers. I put them in his dish and gave it to him.

"Food time, Fred!" I said. Fred saw the leftovers and didn't protest. He started eating. It was incredible! I immediately phoned Dana and gave her the good news. Then I phoned Paul. "Hi, Paul. It's me. We have the right spray. Fred has been completely hypnotized."

"Great! Listen, can you come to my house now? I need to talk to you."

There was something strange in his voice.

"Paul, are you OK?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'll tell you everything when you arrive, OK?

Please come. It's important."

I took the bus and arrived at Paul's house. He was alone, as always. He was in his room with his cat, Apollo, in his arms.

"I want to go to Mitrax with Klyreg," Paul said.

"What?!!"

"Yes, I want to go to Mitrax with Klyreg!" Paul repeated.

"Are you kidding? You're crazy!"

"No, I'm not crazy. Look at my life. My mother doesn't love me. She went away and never wants to see me. How do you think I feel? My father is always working. He doesn't care if I'm here or in Timbuktu! He only cares about his young, blonde secretaries. At school everyone thinks I'm strange; you're my only true friend in class. Jenny, I'm not happy here. Try to understand. This world isn't for me. I don't like my life. I want to test my destiny and see what happens to me. Honestly, I really don't think that Klyreg wants to hurt us students."

"How do you know?" I asked angrily, shocked at what he was saying.

"He doesn't give me that impression. I'm sure the aliens just want to study us. I feel I can trust them. Also, you know I love space. I've always been interested in astronomy and alien life. This is a fantastic opportunity to see life on another planet, in another galaxy. This is my dream! This opportunity will never exist again. If aliens come to Earth at the next intergalactic meeting, they certainly won't come to our town again!"

Listening to Paul, I started to understand his point of view. But it was terrible to think that Paul didn't have anyone. No one really cared about him. I was very sad.

"Running away to another planet isn't the right solution to your problems," I said.

"But I've tried to talk to my father about my problems. I've tried many times. Nothing has changed. Listen, I want to go to Mitrax. I feel it's the right thing for me. Something inside is pushing me to go."

Maybe going to Mitrax was the best thing for Paul, although I still couldn't believe it.

"If you're convinced... But I'll miss you, a lot. I'll never see you again," I said.

"Nothing is forever. You will see me again, I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," I said, with tears in my eyes.

"Believe me, Jenny. Sooner or later, when the next intergalactic door opens, I'll return. And I'll have many new things to tell you!"

"Listen," he continued, "we must organise our plan for tomorrow evening! When Klyreg takes the two students to the science lab, he'll open the refrigerator but he won't find the spray.

"At that point he won't be able to do anything, because he can't touch us. If he touches us, he'll electrocute us," Paul explained.

"Then he won't be able to study us anymore!" I interrupted.

"Exactly. So, when he sees that his mission has failed, the only thing he can do is go to the airfield and leave with his spaceship. He can't stay any longer because he can't miss his spaceship. And the spaceship can't wait for him. I won't come to the family-teachers' meeting; I'll wait for Mr Adams at the airfield."

I sadly looked at Paul. "Good luck. I'll wait for you," I said.

Paul picked up Apollo and gave him to me. "I want you to keep him. Take care of him for me." He came closer to me. For the first time, we kissed. My heart pounded.

"Oh, Paul, thanks for Apollo. Thank you very much." I stroked the black cat and he purred.

CHAPTER NINE

Friday Night

I went back home and passed by Dana's house to give her the passe-partout. That night I didn't sleep. I thought about the next day, about Paul's decision, about Klyreg. Apollo mewed in the darkness.

On Friday morning I got up early. I felt very tense. The day proceeded slowly. During the morning the principal came to remind us of the meeting.

"Don't forget that this evening there's the family-teachers' meeting. I hope to see all of you with your parents."

"Sure!" I thought. "And during the meeting one of your teachers will try to kidnap two students and take them to a mysterious planet!"

When the school day finished, I went to the "Rainbow" for some ice-cream with Paul and Dana. Paul told Dana about his decision. She was obviously very surprised and disappointed. Those moments we passed together were very special. I will never forget that last afternoon with Paul. Our friendship seemed stronger than before.

We felt more united because of our separation.

Finally, after dinner, my parents and I walked to school. We sat down in the auditorium and the meeting started. At one point I saw Mr Adams get up and go towards Dana's family. I saw him whisper something to Dana's parents and then to Dana. She got up from her chair and followed him. Together they walked towards Steven's family. Steve is another one of my classmates. I'm sure Klyreg chose him because Paul was absent. In fact I noticed him looking for Paul.

Steve, Dana and Mr Adams left the auditorium. "So he didn't choose me!" I thought. I looked at my watch: 9:05. Twenty-five more minutes. Suddenly I had an irresistible impulse. I wanted to see what was happening. I got up.

"Jenny, where are you going?" my mom asked.

"I'm going to the science lab. Don't worry!" I said, and I quickly walked away. The door of the lab was closed. Inside I heard Mr Adams opening the fridge. I imagined his anger.

"Oh, no!" he exclaimed. "Where is it?"

"Where is what, Klyreg?" Dana asked. "Are you talking about the hypnotizing spray? You lost, Klyreg!" she exclaimed triumphantly.

"W-What? You know...?" Klyreg was shocked.

"What spray? What are you saying?" said Steve, who didn't know anything about it.

"What courage Dana has!" I thought. Mr Adams had the power to electrocute her, if he wanted. It was stupid to make him angry. But in the end, it seems that Paul was right. Klyreg wasn't really a bad alien.

"Well, I don't think you need us anymore!" Dana said. The door opened and she walked out. "Come on, Steve. Everything's OK. Let's go back to the meeting!"

Then Klyreg came out. He seemed confused and helpless. I looked at my watch.

"Klyreg, it's 9:17. Go. Don't miss your spaceship," I said, almost with compassion.

Klyreg looked at me, even more surprised. Then he went to the fire-escape exit and ran away. At that moment I thought of Paul. I followed Klyreg down the fire-escape stairs and out of the building. Our school is very close to the old airfield, so Klyreg and I reached it at 9:24. The spaceship was already there, waiting for Klyreg. Its portal was open, but all the lights were off. The aliens from Mitrax didn't want anyone to see them. Paul was there too. When he saw Klyreg, he ran towards him.

"Klyreg! Listen! I want to come with you! Take me with you! You can study me! I know you won't hurt me!"

Klyreg was literally shocked.

"Come then, Paul. Hurry!" he said, recovering from his amazement.

"Paul!" I shouted.

"Jenny!" He ran to me and we embraced. "This crazy adventure has finally finished. Fortunately everything ended well for everyone," Paul said.

"Think about me sometimes," I said.

"I'll always think of you. And remember, I'll be back!"

"Paul!" Klyreg shouted. He was on the stairs of the spaceship. "The portal is closing!"

"Have fun in Mitrax, you space lover!" I said, laughing and crying at the same time. Paul went up the stairs and the portal closed behind him. The spaceship lights turned on and it silently went up into the dark night sky. I watched it disappear into the blackness. Then I hurried back to school.

My parents were still at the meeting with everyone else. No one seemed to suspect anything. Dana and Steve sat calmly near their parents. I, too, went back to my mother and father, smiling innocently.

Today six months have passed. Everyone at school now knows the truth about Mr Adams, although not everyone totally believes my story. We have a new science teacher. Her name is Miss Lundberg, and for the moment she seems normal...

Dana and I have been to visit Mr Stone a few times, and his relationship with our class has really improved. He seems a happier person, and this pleases me a lot.

Steve is now Dana's boyfriend and they make a nice couple.

I still have the hypnotizing spray. I keep it hidden, although sometimes I use it on Fred when he needs a bath! Apollo is now a member of our family. Fred is a little jealous of him, but they're usually friends. I told my parents the entire story. They seem to believe me, especially because no one can find Paul. In the beginning his father looked for him, but he soon stopped worrying.

Sometimes Dana and I talk about Klyreg and our adventure. We remember Paul. On many evenings, alone in my garden, I look up at the sky and think about him.

"Good night, Paul, wherever you are. See you soon." extremely embarrassed.

"Don't worry. Since you're here, please come in."

I climbed down the tree. Paul was very nervous.

"Come on, Jenny, let's go away before it's too late!"

"No, Paul. I'm going in."

"But...," I went towards Mr Stone's front door, so Paul followed. The teacher opened the door and made us sit down in his living room.

- THE END -

A long time ago, a magician wanted a very special magic lamp. But the lamp was in a cave in China. The magician couldn't go into the cave to get the lamp. Only a boy could get the magic lamp from the cave.

The magician went to China. There, in a market, he saw a poor boy. The boy had a basket of bread.

'What's your name, boy?' asked the magician. 'Aladdin, sir,' said the boy. 'Please, buy my bread.'

'Yes, you can sell me your bread...,' said the magician, 'and then I can take you to the mountains to see a magic garden in a secret cave!'

'Here's the bread!' said Aladdin. 'Now take me to the mountains. I want to see the secret cave and the magic garden!'

The magician and Aladdin went to the mountains. They ate Aladdin's bread on the journey.

'Here's the cave,' said the magician. 'You, Aladdin, must go into the cave and get the magic lamp.'

'But I can't go into the cave,' said Aladdin 'The stone door is closed.'

'You must pull the brass ring to open the door.'

'Then you can go in,' said the magician

Aladdin pulled the ring. The stone door opened and he saw some steps in the dark cave.

'Go down the steps to the magic garden,' said the magician. 'There's a beautiful fruit tree in the garden. Under the tree there's a brass lamp. You must bring the lamp to me.'

'Hurry, Aladdin! Go and bring me the lamp!'

Aladdin went down the steps. It was very dark. But suddenly, he saw a light. It was the magic garden! Aladdin went into the magic garden. There were beautiful flowers and wonderful trees, but one tree was more beautiful than the others. It was the fruit tree! All the fruit were different colours and different shapes. Aladdin ate some of the fruit. It was delicious!

Then Aladdin saw the lamp under the tree. He took it and started to go back to the magician. 'I've got the lamp!' he shouted.

'Hurry! Hurry! Bring me the lamp! I must go home!' said the magician.

Aladdin went up the steps with the lamp... but the door closed!

The magician was very angry because he didn't have the magic lamp. He went back home, to a country far away.

Aladdin was alone in the dark cave. 'Help! Help!' he said. 'I can't open the door.'

But the magician wasn't there. The magician was at home, in a country far away from China.

Aladdin was afraid. The door was closed and he couldn't open it. He wanted to go home.

Then Aladdin looked at the magic lamp. It was dirty, so he rubbed it on his shirt to clean it.

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! There was a blue, red, orange and green cloud in the cave!

'I am the genie of the lamp,' said the genie. 'Your wish is my command...'

'I... I... I want to go home,' said Aladdin. 'Please, take me home!'

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! Aladdin was at home with his mother!

'What's this? An old brass lamp?' asked Aladdin's mother. 'I can clean it. I can sell it in the market, and then I can buy some food for us.'

She took the lamp and started to rub it.

'No! Give me the lamp,' said Aladdin. 'It's a magic lamp!'

'Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! There was a blue, red, orange and green cloud in the house.'

'I am the genie of the lamp,' said the genie. 'Your wish is my command.'

'I want a beautiful house, some lovely clothes... and a lot of jewels!' said Aladdin's mother.

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! Aladdin and his mother had a beautiful house, lovely clothes, and a lot of jewels. They were rich now!

Aladdin helped the poor people in the town. He gave them money and food, and everyone loved him.

Some years later Aladdin married a beautiful princess, the Emperor's daughter. The Emperor liked Aladdin because he was kind to the poor people.

Aladdin and the princess lived in a beautiful palace with a garden. They were very happy. Aladdin's mother lived with them.

One day Aladdin was in the palace reading a book. The princess was in the garden. She saw a poor old man with a big basket of lamps outside the garden. 'New lamps for old!' he shouted. 'Bring me your old lamps. I've got new lamps to give you.'

'What a good idea!' thought the princess. 'I can give him Aladdin's old lamp, and he can give me a lovely new lamp for Aladdin!'

The old man took the old lamp from the princess. Thank you, Princess. You're very kind,' he said.

'Why do you want old lamps?' said the princess.

'Ha!' he said. 'I only want one old lamp - this one! It's a magic lamp with a genie. And it can make me a rich man!'

'Oh! You're not a poor old man,' said the princess. 'You're the magician!'

'Yes, Princess,' said the magician. 'And now we must go - far away, to my country!'

The magician took the lamp, and rubbed it.

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! There was a blue, red, orange and green cloud in the garden.

'I am the genie of the lamp,' said the genie. 'Your wish is my command.'

'Take us and Aladdin's palace to my country,' said the magician.

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! Suddenly, they were far away.

There was no town. There were no people. They were in the desert.

'Please, Aladdin, take us home!' said the Princess.

'Don't be sad, my Princess,' said Aladdin. 'We must get the magic lamp! I've got an idea. We can ask the magician to eat with us this evening. We can give him a drink with a magic potion.'

'A magic sleeping potion!' said the princess. 'Yes!' said Aladdin. 'And, when he's asleep, I can take the magic lamp from him.'

'We can put the sleeping potion in some orange juice!' said the princess.

'Good idea!' said Aladdin.

That evening, the magician went to Aladdin's palace.

'Do you like it here in my country?' asked the magician.

'Yes, the desert is strange and beautiful,' said Aladdin. 'But we want to go home.'

'Oh, no!' said the magician. 'You must stay here forever.'

'Would you like some orange juice?' said the princess. 'It's very good. It's from the orange trees in my garden.'

'Thank you,' said the magician.

Suddenly, the magician was asleep! Aladdin took the magic lamp from him and rubbed it.

Whoosh! Whoosh!! Whoosh!!! There was a blue, red, orange and green cloud in the palace.

'I am the genie of the lamp,' said the genie. 'Your wish is my command.'

'Please, take us home. But we don't want to take the magician,' said Aladdin. 'He can stay here in the desert. Forever!'

The Emperor was very happy to see his daughter and Aladdin again.

'Tomorrow evening everyone can come to a party at my palace!' said the Emperor.

'What a good idea!' said Aladdin's mother.

It was a wonderful party. There was a lot to eat and drink. There was music, and people danced and sang in the Emperor's gardens. Everyone was happy to see Aladdin and the princess again. 'Aladdin, where's the magician?' asked the Emperor. 'Ah!' said Aladdin. 'He's far away, in the desert... and he can stay there forever!'

'Aladdin, you must tell me... where's the magic lamp?' asked the Emperor.

'That,' said Aladdin, 'is a secret!'

Chapter one

The Nursery

Wendy, John and Michael Darling live in a lovely house in London. They have got a big, sunny nursery. There are colourful pictures and a big clock on the wall. There are toys here and there. The Darlings are a happy family. Mr Darling and Mrs Darling love their children very much. Wendy is the first child, John is the second and Michael is the third.

The children's nanny is called Nana and she is a big Newfoundland dog! Her kennel is in the nursery and she is a wonderful nanny. She loves the children and the children love her.

One evening Mr and Mrs Darling want to go to a dinner party. They have their best clothes on.

'Nana, it's time to put the children to bed,' says Mrs Darling.

Nana goes to the bathroom. She turns on the hot water for Michael's bath. She puts her paw in the water to check the temperature. It's perfect!

'I don't want to have a bath!' says little Michael.

But Nana is a firm nanny and Michael has his bath.

Then Nana gives the children their pyjamas. Now they are ready for bed.

Mrs Darling comes into the nursery and smiles. 'Good work, Nana! I see the children are ready for bed.' Nana wags her big tail.

Suddenly there is a noise. Mrs Darling sees a young boy outside the nursery window. She is very surprised. Nana barks and shuts the window quickly. The boy's shadow falls on the floor. The young boy flies away. 'Who's there?' asks Mrs Darling. She opens the window and looks outside, but she sees nothing. Then she sees the boy's shadow on the floor and says, 'Poor boy, this is his shadow. Let's put it in the drawer.'

The children are in bed. Mr Darling takes Nana to the garden. Then he goes to the sitting room and waits for Mrs Darling.

Mrs Darling sings to the children and kisses them. She is a perfect mother. Soon the three children are sleeping. Mr and Mrs Darling go to their bedroom. They put on their coats and go to the dinner party.

Chapter two

The Shadow

The children are sleeping and dreaming. Suddenly the window opens. A small ball of light enters the nursery and flies around. It is a lovely fairy called Tinker Bell. She is looking for something. After a moment a young boy enters the nursery and says, 'Tink, where are you? Please find my shadow.'

Tinker Bell finds his shadow in the drawer and gives it to him. 'Now I can stick the shadow to my feet with some soap,' he thinks. He tries and tries again, but he can't. He is very confused and starts crying.

Wendy wakes up and sees the boy but she is not afraid. His clothes are made of leaves. 'Little boy, why are you crying?' Wendy asks.

The boy takes off his cap and asks, 'What's your name?'

'Wendy Moira Angela Darling. What's yours?'

'Peter Pan.'

'Is that all?'

'Yes!' says Peter. Then he thinks, 'My name is very, very short.'

Wendy looks at his shadow and asks, 'Can I help you with your shadow?'

'Yes, please!' says Peter.

Wendy gets her sewing basket and sews on Peter's shadow.

After a few minutes she says, 'Finished! Now you have your shadow again.'

Peter looks at the floor and sees his shadow. He is very happy and dances around the room.

'Oh, Wendy, you are wonderful!' says Peter.

'Do you really think so?' asks Wendy.

'Yes,' says Peter.

Wendy smiles and gives Peter a kiss on the cheek.

'Oh!' says Peter. 'How nice!'

'How old are you, Peter?' asks Wendy.

'I don't know, but I am young. I don't want to grow up. I always want to be a boy and have fun.'

Peter looks around the room for his fairy. He hears a noise and looks in a drawer. Tinker Bell flies out. Wendy is delighted to see a fairy, but Tinker Bell is afraid. She hides behind the big clock.

'Where do you live, Peter?' asks Wendy.

'I live in Neverland with the Lost Boys,' says Peter.

'Neverland? The Lost Boys? Who are they?' asks Wendy.

'The Lost Boys haven't got a mother or father. They are alone in the world and they live in Neverland. I am their Captain. In Neverland we fight the pirates. We also swim in the lagoon with the beautiful mermaids. Fairies live in the trees in the forest. The fairies are my friends,' says Peter.

'Oh, what fun!' says Wendy.

'I must go back now. I must tell the Lost Boys a story. They love stories,' says Peter.

'Don't go away! I know a lot of stories,' says Wendy.

'Then come with me, Wendy. You can tell us stories. We all want a mother. Please come,' says Peter.

'But I can't fly,' says Wendy.

'I can teach you to fly,' says Peter.

'Can you teach John and Michael to fly too?'

'Yes, of course,' says Peter.

'John! Michael! Wake up! This is Peter Pan. He's from Neverland. It's a beautiful place,' says Wendy.

John and Michael are very surprised.

'We can go there with him. But first we must learn to fly,' Wendy says.

Wendy, John and Michael are very excited. They try to fly but fall on the beds and on the floor.

'No, no,' says Peter. 'Here is some fairy dust.' He puts some fairy dust on their shoulders.

'Now try again,' says Peter.

'Look, I can fly!' says Wendy.

'I can too,' says John.

'Me too,' says little Michael.

'Tink, show us the way to Neverland,' says Peter.

They follow Tinker Bell and fly out of the nursery window. In the garden Nana looks at the sky and barks.

Mr and Mrs Darling return from the dinner party. They go into the nursery, but it is empty!

CHAPTER THREE

The Neverland

Wendy, John and Michael fly over cities, towns, mountains, forests and seas.

Finally they see an island in the sea below them.

'Look, that's Neverland,' says Peter.

'Neverland!' say the children.

In Neverland the Lost Boys live in the forest in a secret underground home. There are six Lost Boys: Slightly Soiled, Tootles, Nibs, Curly and the Twins. They are waiting for Peter.

Suddenly they hear the voices of the pirates. Nibs is very brave. He goes out, hides behind a tree and looks around him. He sees the horrible pirates. They are walking in the forest. They are big and ugly. Their pirate ship is the Jolly Roger.

The pirates' captain is James Hook. He is a cruel pirate and a very bad man. He's got black eyes, black hair and a black beard. He hates Peter Pan. He's only got one arm. The other is a hook! In the past Peter Pan cut off Captain Hook's right arm during a fight. A crocodile ate the arm. Now the crocodile follows Captain Hook everywhere because he wants to eat him. The crocodile has an alarm clock in its stomach! Captain Hook can always hear it.

'I know the Lost Boys live in this forest. We must find them and Peter Pan!' says Captain Hook.

'Tick, tock, tick, tock!' Captain Hook hears the alarm clock.

'Oh, no, the crocodile is coming to eat me!' says Captain Hook. He runs away and the pirates follow him.

Soon some Indians arrive in the forest. They are looking for the pirates. The pirates are their enemy. Tiger Lily is their leader. She is the beautiful daughter of the Indian chief. She loves Peter Pan. Tinker Bell and Wendy love him too. The Indians go away and the Lost Boys return to play in the forest.

Then Nibs looks at the sky and says, 'Look, there is a lovely white bird in the sky.'

'Is it really a bird?' the Lost Boys ask.

Tinker Bell says, 'Yes, yes, it's a bird. It's a Wendy bird. You must shoot it!' Sometimes Tink is a bad fairy. She knows it is Wendy, but she doesn't like her.

Nibs takes his bow and arrow and shoots Wendy. Poor Wendy falls to the ground. The Lost Boys see Wendy and say, 'She's not a bird! She's a lovely girl.'

Peter flies down with John and Michael and asks, 'Where is Wendy?'

Tootles says, 'Here she is.'

Peter goes over to her and asks, 'Wendy, are you all right?' Wendy slowly opens her eyes and smiles. 'Yes, but I'm very tired,' she says.

The Lost Boys are sorry. They decide to build her a little house.

When the house is ready Wendy says, 'What a lovely little house! Thank you.'

'Can you be our mother now? Can you tell us bedtime stories before we go to bed?' asks Nibs.

'Of course,' says Wendy. 'Come in and I can tell you the story of Cinderella.'

They enter, sit down and listen to Wendy's story. It is a wonderful story.

Peter Pan is outside the house with his sword. He wants to protect Wendy and the Lost Boys.

CHAPTER FOUR

The Mermaid's Lagoon

One summer evening Peter, Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys go to the Mermaid's Lagoon. Beautiful mermaids live here and they are Peter's friends. They swim and play in the blue lagoon. Then they sit on Marooner's Rock to comb their long hair. They sit in the sun and laugh.

The children like the mermaids and John says, 'I want to catch one!' He tries, but the mermaid jumps into the water.

Peter says, 'It is very difficult to catch a mermaid.'

Suddenly someone says, 'Look, the pirates are coming!'

A small boat with two pirates is coming to the lagoon. John, Michael and the Lost Boys jump off the rock and swim away. But Wendy stays with Peter. They hide behind the rock. Peter sees Tiger Lily. She is sitting in the small boat. Poor Tiger Lily is a prisoner of the pirates.

'Let's leave her on this rock. When the sea rises, she will die!' says Smee. The two pirates laugh. It is already night and it is very dark.

Peter wants to save Tiger Lily and thinks of something intelligent. He imitates Captain Hook's voice and says, 'Cut the ropes and let her go! Do as I say, you idiots! Let her go!' The two pirates are amazed.

'Can you hear Hook's voice?' asks Smee.

'Yes, but what do we do?' asks Starkey.

'We must obey him and cut the ropes,' says Smee.

They cut the ropes and Tiger Lily is free. She quickly jumps into the water and swims away.

Captain Hook sees everything and he is furious.

'That horrid Peter Pan! This time I must attack him,' he says.

He swims to the rock and fights with Peter. It is a long fight.

The Captain hurts Peter with his hook, but Peter fights courageously. At last, Peter wins the fight and Hook swims back to the Jolly Roger. Peter is now alone on the rock with Wendy.

'The sea is rising and we are in great danger here. We must leave this rock,' says Peter.

'Oh, Peter, I am very tired and I cannot swim or fly.'

He sees a big kite with a long tail. It is flying slowly over the lagoon. He takes the tail of the kite and says, 'Wendy, hold on to this tail and fly away with the kite.' Wendy flies away.

'The sea is rising. I must fly away,' Peter thinks. When he gets home everyone is happy to see him especially Wendy.

Chapter five

The Underground Home

The Underground Home is a secret place. No one knows where it is. It is a happy, warm place. There is only one room with a big fireplace. Tinker Bell has her tiny room too.

Wendy is a perfect mother. She cooks and sews for everyone. She also tells beautiful bedtime stories. The Lost Boys are happy because they finally have a mother. John and Michael are happy because there is a new adventure every day.

Peter Pan is a perfect father. He brings home food and protects the family.

Wendy and Peter play with the children and laugh with them.

But one night something happens. Wendy tells the children this bedtime story:

'In the big city of London there are two parents. They are very sad because they cannot find their three children. Every night they leave the nursery window open. They wait and wait for their children to return. But they don't return. Poor parents! They are very sad without their children.'

'Oh, Wendy, this is the story of our parents,' says John.

'Yes, it is,' says Michael.

Peter listens and says, 'Sometimes parents forget their children and other children take their place.'

Wendy is very surprised. 'Oh, no!' she says! 'Perhaps there are other children in our beds! John, Michael we must go home!'

'Do we really have to?' ask John and Michael.

'Yes, we've got to return home.'

The Lost Boys are sad and say, 'Oh, Wendy, please don't leave us!'

'Don't be sad. You can come and live with us in London,' says Wendy.

'Oh, how wonderful!' the Lost Boys say. 'We can have a real family.' They jump up and down with joy. They dance around the room.

 But Peter is not happy. He is very serious and says, 'I'm not coming with you to London. I don't want to grow up. I want to be a boy forever.'

Everyone says goodbye to Peter. Outside, the pirates are waiting for them! The children come out of the underground home and the pirates capture them. Then they take them to the Jolly Roger.

They don't make any noise. Peter doesn't know where they are.

He is sad without Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys. He sits and thinks.

'Tap, tap, tap!' There is someone at the door.

'Who is it?' asks Peter.

He can hear the sound of little bells and opens the door. Tinker Bell flies in and says, 'The pirates have got Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys! They are in danger. Let's help them!'

'I must save them. Come Tink, let's go to the Jolly Roger! This time I must attack Hook!'

CHAPTER SIX

The Jolly Roger

There is a yellow moon in the night sky. The folly Roger is in the bay near Kidd's Creek. The children are on the pirate ship. They are prisoners of Captain Hook and his cruel pirates.

Captain Hook looks at them and says, 'This time it's Peter Pan or me! You idiots! Peter Pan can't save you now.' Hook laughs and then calls Smee. 'Smee, get the plank ready!'

'Yes sir!' says Smee.

'Now listen to me,' says Hook. 'You must all walk the plank!'

'Walk the plank?' asks John.

'Yes! First you walk the plank and then you fall into the sea with the crocodile. It will eat you! Ha, ha!' laughs Hook. 'But I can save two of you. I want two young pirates. Who wants to be a pirate?'

The Lost Boys look at John. John looks at Michael and says, 'The life of a pirate is exciting. I don't want to walk the plank. I don't want to be food for the crocodile. Let's be pirates!' Michael looks at his brother. Then they look at Wendy. She doesn't like their idea.

Captain Hook laughs and moves his hook in front of their faces.

'Do you want to be pirates, yes or no?' he asks.

John and Michael say, 'Never!'

Captain Hook is angry and says, 'Then you must walk the plank and die!'

Wendy is afraid. She loves her brothers and the Lost Boys. She has tears in her eyes.

The boys stand near the plank and Wendy watches them. A pirate asks, 'Who is the first to walk the plank?'

At that moment there is a loud noise. 'Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!'

Captain Hook's face is white. He says, 'The crocodile is here. He wants ME!' He runs to his cabin and hides there.

'Who is the first to walk the plank?' asks a pirate. 'Come on! Let's go! The crocodile is hungry.'

Suddenly Peter Pan appears on the pirate ship. Tinker Bell follows him. Wendy and the boys cheer. They are very happy to see their young hero.

Hook and his pirates are furious. Hook takes his sword and says, 'I want to fight you, Pan! Tonight you will die!'

Hook fights with his long sword and with his hook. Peter fights courageously. He pushes Hook to the back of the ship. It is a terrible fight. John, Michael and the Lost Boys fight the pirates. After a long fight they throw the pirates into the sea.

Peter and Hook move all around the big ship. Their swords make a loud noise. Suddenly Peter takes Hook's sword and pushes him into the sea! Hook shouts, 'OH, NO!' He falls into the sea and into the mouth of the hungry crocodile.

'Oh, Peter, we are proud of you!' says Wendy. She kisses him on the cheek. The boys cheer. Peter smiles and says, 'The Jolly Roger is ours now. Let's go home!'

CHAPTER SEVEN

Home at Last!

At the Darling home, Mr and Mrs Darling and Nana are desolate. They always think about Wendy, John and Michael. They look at the three empty beds and tears come to their eyes. Mr and Mrs Darling never smile or laugh anymore.

Mrs Darling sits in the silent nursery and cries. She thinks of her children, their games and their happy voices. Nana tries to comfort her, but nothing can make Mrs Darling happy.

One night after several months something incredible happens. Wendy, John and Michael fly in to the nursery. Mrs Darling is sitting near the fireplace.

'Mother, Mother we're home!' says Wendy.

Mrs Darling turns around and sees her three dear children.

'Is this true or is it a dream? I can't believe it!' she says.

'Oh, Mother, we are home at last,' the children say.

Wendy, John and Michael embrace their mother and kiss her.

'How wonderful to see you, my dear children! How wonderful to hear your sweet voices. Oh, let me look at you!' She calls Mr Darling. Mr Darling is very happy and surprised.

There is great joy in the Darling nursery tonight.

'Mother,' says Wendy, 'Peter Pan and the Lost Boys are here too. They are waiting outside.'

The six Lost Boys slowly enter the nursery. They look at Mrs Darling and smile at her.

'Mother, these are the Lost Boys. They haven't got a mother. Can they stay with us?' says Wendy.

'What dear little boys!' says Mrs Darling. 'Of course they can stay with us. And where is Peter Pan?'

Peter enters the nursery and says, 'I am here, but I don't want to stay here. I don't want to go to school and I don't want to grow up! I want to be a young boy forever. I must return to Neverland. I am happy with the Indians and the fairies.'

Wendy is surprised and says, 'But Peter, when will I see you again?'

Mrs Darling says, 'I have an idea. Wendy, you can visit Peter in Neverland every spring! You can stay there for a week.'

'Can I really go to Neverland every spring, Mother?' asks Wendy.

Peter looks at Mrs Darling and asks, 'Is that a promise?'

'Of course it is,' says Mrs Darling.

'Then I want spring to come quickly,' says Peter.

'Yes, very quickly,' says Wendy.

'Come on, Tink! Let's fly home and wait for spring,' says Peter.

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell fly out of the nursery window into the night sky. Their destination? Neverland!

Cinderella is a pretty girl. She's got blue eyes and blonde, curly hair. She's always happy. She likes singing and playing with her pet cat and the mice in the kitchen.

She lives in a big house with her two sisters. Her sisters are very ugly! They've got big noses and big, ugly feet!

They don't like Cinderella, and she has to do all the work in the house.

They throw their clothes on the floor.

'Pick up our clothes!' they say.

They shout at Cinderella.

'Clean the kitchen!'

'Wash the clothes!'

'Cook the dinner!'

One day Cinderella is in the kitchen. She's washing the plates. The sun is shining and Cinderella is happy. She's looking out of the window and singing with the birds. Blackie, her cat, is playing with his friends, the little mice. Goldie is Cinderella's goldfish. He's swimming in his bowl and listening to the birds singing.

'Cinderella! Cinderella!' say her sisters. 'Come here! Quickly!'

Cinderella runs upstairs into the living room.

'Here I am!' she says.

'Look at this. We've got an invitation from the king. An invitation to the ball at the Palace!'

'An invitation to the ball!' says Cinderella. 'That's wonderful.'

'Yes!' say the sisters. 'We can wear beautiful dresses and we can dance with Prince Charming!'

'Can I come to the ball?' says Cinderella.

'You?' say the sisters. 'Come to the ball? No. You can't come to the ball. You haven't got a dress!'

On the day of the ball Cinderella is very busy.

The ugly sisters want Cinderella to do everything.

'Cinderella! Come here and help me with my dress.'

'Cinderella! Come here and help me with my hair.'

'Cinderella! Go and find my blue shoes.'

'Cinderella! Go and find my yellow bag.'

'Cinderella! Where's my necklace?'

'Cinderella! Where's my ring?'

'Cinderella! Cinderella! Cinderella! Quickly, quickly, quickly...It's time to go!

'Don't cry, Cinderella,' says Blackie.

'I want to go to the ball,' says Cinderella.

'You can go to the ball,' says a beautiful woman.

'Who are you?' says Cinderella.

'I'm your Fairy Godmother,' says the beautiful woman. 'Cinderella, go into the garden and find a nice, big pumpkin,' says the Fairy Godmother.

'Come here, Blackie. Let's put Goldie here on the floor... and... oh, yes! Six little white mice! Perfect!' says the Fairy Godmother.

The Fairy Godmother waves her magic wand and says 'ABRACADABRA!'

The pumpkin is now a beautiful coach.

Goldie is now a footman.

Blackie is now a coachman.

And the six white mice are now six beautiful white horses!

The Fairy Godmother waves her wand again. Cinderella's old grey dress is now a wonderful new dress, and on her feet there are pretty glass shoes.

'Now you can go to the ball, Cinderella,' says the Fairy Godmother. 'But, you must be home before midnight.'

At the palace there are a lot of people. They're in the ballroom, talking and laughing and dancing. Everyone is happy. The King and Queen are enjoying the ball.

'Who is that beautiful princess?' says one of the ugly sisters.

'I don't know,' says the other ugly sister. 'Look, Prince Charming is dancing with her!'

Prince Charming likes Cinderella, and they dance and dance and dance all evening.

Dong! Dong! Cinderella looks at the clock. It's midnight!

'I must go!' she says.

Cinderella runs out of the ballroom and down the steps. Prince Charming runs out of the ballroom.

'Don't go!' he says. 'Please, come here!'

But Cinderella isn't there. It's midnight, and she's running home.

'What's this?' says Prince Charming.

He looks on the steps and sees Cinderella's glass shoe.

'I can go to every house in the town,' he says. 'I can ask every girl in the town to put on this shoe. I can find the beautiful princess!'

'Prince Charming is here! Prince Charming is here!' say the ugly sisters.

'Go away. Go into the kitchen, Cinderella. The glass shoe isn't yours. You can't see Prince Charming. Quickly, quickly, quickly! Go! Go! Go!'

The ugly sisters put on the glass shoe. They have very big, ugly feet! And the shoe is very small... Cinderella opens the door. 'Can I put on the shoe?' she says.

'GO AWAY!' say the ugly sisters.

'No, wait!' says Prince Charming. 'Come here and put on the shoe.'

Cinderella puts on the shoe.

The shoe is yours!' says Prince Charming. 'You are the beautiful princess!'

'I'm not a princess. I'm Cinderella,' she says. 'But the shoe is mine'.

Prince Charming and Cinderella have a beautiful wedding in the garden at the Palace.

All the people from the town come to the wedding. It's a beautiful sunny day, and Prince Charming and Cinderella are very happy.

'Can we be friends now?' says Cinderella to her ugly sisters. 'You are a good, kind girl, Cinderella,' they say. 'We want to be your friends.'

'Good!' says Cinderella.

And they all live happily ever after!

Ali Baba was a woodcutter. He was from Persia, in the Middle East.

One day he was at work in the woods when he saw forty men on forty black horses. They stopped near a huge rock. They had forty big, heavy, brown sacks on their backs. Ali Baba watched the men as they got off their horses.

A tall man walked to the rock and said 'Open Sesame.' Ali Baba looked and looked again...Something amazing happened... the rock opened! Behind the rock was a cave. The forty men went into the cave with their sacks. Later, when the men came out of the cave, they didn't have their sacks.

'Close Sesame,' said the tall man, and the rock closed!

The forty men got on their horses and went away. Ali Baba went to the rock. 'Open Sesame,' he said.

The rock opened... and inside the cave there were hundreds of sacks and wooden boxes. Ali Baba opened a sack and... it was full of diamonds! He opened another sack and... it was full of gold coins! He opened a box and... it was full of silver! He opened another box and... it was full of beautiful jewels!

'These forty men are thieves,' thought Ali. 'I'm going to take some of these coins home for my wife!'

He put some gold coins into his bag and went out of the cave. 'Close Sesame,' he said.

The rock closed and he went home.

Ali Baba's wife, Nasreen, was in the kitchen. Ali Baba told her about the forty thieves and the treasure in the cave.

'This is wonderful news,' said Nasreen. 'Can we take more money and buy a new house and new clothes?'

'Yes, but we mustn't tell anyone,' said Ali. 'The forty thieves are very dangerous men.'

Ali's brother, Cassim, was outside the kitchen. He opened the door.

'Tell me where the cave is!' he shouted. 'You must tell me or I'm going to go and look for it myself!'

'No! Don't do that!' said Ali. 'Go into the woods. There's a huge rock near the big baobab tree. The rock opens when you say 'Open Sesame' and closes when you say 'Close Sesame'.

Cassim went to the rock. 'Open Sesame,' he said. He went into the cave and the rock closed.

'This is amazing,' thought Cassim. 'Gold, silver... beautiful jewels!' He had three big sacks with him and filled them with gold and silver and jewels. He stood in front of the rock and said 'Open Wheat', but the rock didn't open! He said 'Open Corn,' but the rock didn't open! 'Oh! What is the right word?' he thought.

Cassim was angry. He couldn't remember the word! He sat down to think, but suddenly he heard horses. The forty thieves were outside the cave! Look! A horse! Someone's in our cave!

'He can't have our treasure! He must die!' said the tall man.

The next morning Cassim's wife, Zhila, went to Ali Baba. 'Cassim didn't come home last night! Do you know where he is?' she asked.

Ali told Zhila about the cave. 'Please go to the cave! The thieves are dangerous men. They'll kill him!' she said.

Ali went to the rock. It was closed but he heard a noise. 'Cassim, are you there?' he said.

'Yes, yes... I'm here. Help me! I'm hurt.'

'Open Sesame,' said Ali Baba and the rock opened. Cassim was on the floor... he couldn't walk! 'The thieves said I must die but I didn't die!' he said.

'You didn't die but you're hurt! Let's go home now and the doctor can come to the house later tonight.'

The next afternoon the thieves went back to the cave.

'He isn't here!' said the tall man. 'We must find him. He was hurt! We must find the doctor who helped him!'

The tall man found the doctor's house. He was angry.

'Where's the man you helped yesterday? Where's his house?' he asked.

'I don't know,' said the doctor. 'It was dark and I couldn't see the road or the houses.'

'Then take me to the house tonight when it's dark,' said the tall man.

The, doctor took the tall man to Ali's house later that night and the tall man painted a white cross on the door.

'Now I know where Cassim and his family live,' he thought. 'They must all die! And I've got a plan!'

The tall man went to the market and bought thirty-nine big oil pots.

'Put the pots on your horses then hide inside them' he told the thieves. 'I'm going to Ali Baba's house and you'll be in the pots. We'll kill them all tonight when they are asleep!'

That evening he went to Ali Baba's house. 'Good evening. I'm an oil merchant from India and I'm very tired,' he said 'Have you got a room where I can sleep and a place for my horses?'

'Of course! Welcome to my home,' said Ali.

Zhila was in the kitchen with Nasreen. 'That man isn't Indian; he's Persian,' said Zhila. 'I don't like him. Let's go and look at the pots on his horses.'

They went out of the house into the garden. There were lots of stars in the sky and everything was very quiet. Suddenly they heard a man's voice: 'When are we going to kill Cassim and AliBaba and their wives?'

'When they're asleep,' said another voice.

The women looked at the pots on the horses.

Thirty-nine pots in their garden... thirty-nine men in the pots, and one man in the house... The Forty Thieves!

'Quickly!' said Zhila. 'Open the gate.'

Nasreen opened the gate. 'Shoo, shoo, go away! Shoo, shoo, go away!' they shouted at the horses. The horses ran out of the garden. They ran and they ran and they ran. They ran into the desert and never came back.

The tall man went into the garden when everyone was sleeping. His horses weren't there! His pots weren't there! His men weren't there! He ran out of the garden, he ran into the desert, but he couldn't see his horses or his men. He ran and he ran and he ran and he never came back.

In the morning Cassim and Ali Baba woke up early and went into the garden. 'This is very strange,' said Ali. The oil merchant isn't here, and his horses aren't here! Where are they?'

'You men are very silly,' said Nasreen.

'Yes, very silly,' said Zhila. 'The oil merchant from India wasn't an oil merchant from India.'

'No,' said Nasreen. 'He was the leader of the forty thieves!'

'Where are the forty thieves now?' said Cassim.

'They ran into the desert, and let's hope they'll never come back!' said Zhila.

'Tomorrow you can go and get the treasure and we'll give some to everyone in the village!'

The next day Cassim and Ali Baba went back to the rock with ten grey donkeys.

'Open Wheat,' said Cassim.

'No, silly! Don't you remember? It's not Wheat. It's Sesame!' said Ali Baba.

'Of course, the word is "Sesame". Open Sesame,' said Cassim.

The rock opened and they put all the wooden boxes and sacks of treasure on the donkeys. Then they went back to the village and gave the treasure to the poor villagers.

'Thank you, Nasreen and Zhila' said the villagers.

'You're very clever women!'

Reference: english-e-reader.net