Read Charlie Bone and The Blue Boa (Children Of The Red King, Book 3) for Free Online Page A

up in the attics again, you're bound to get detention."
    "Or worse," muttered Olivia. '
    "Hypnotized for life," said Emma meaningfully "Like Manfred tried to do to me."
    They were sitting on a log pile in blazing sunshine. It promised to be a brilliant summer, which was just as well because the school play would be performed in the open air.
    "What's Belle like as an artist?" Charlie asked Emma. "I mean, can she draw?"
    Emma shrugged. "Who knows? She makes things. We've been asked to design clothes for the play and the set."
    The hunting horn sounded and the four children slid off the logs and headed toward the academy
    "I wish we could do something about Ollie," said Emma as they reached the garden door. "Maybe if we got detention and stayed in school till Saturday . . . What about you, Charlie?"
    Charlie was tempted but he had other responsibilities. "Runner Bean," he said. "I've got to get home to look after him."
    It had just been decided that they would all meet on Sunday to discuss Ollie's problem, when Fidelio suddenly announced, "I can't. I've got to play in a concert."
    Charlie was sorry to hear this. Fidelio was such a good person to have around in a crisis. He had excellent ideas, and he never gave up. But Fidelio was also a brilliant musician. Charlie was afraid he would be seeing less and less of his friend this semester.
    When Charlie got home on Friday evening, so many things went wrong he forgot all about Ollie. He had expected to see his great-uncle, but Paton hadn't returned and there was not even a word from him.
    "I'm a bit concerned," said Maisie. "It's not like Paton. And I'm afraid it gets worse, Charlie. I've got to leave here tomorrow"
    "What!" Charlie was really worried. His mother had to work on Saturday and the thought of spending a day alone with Grandma Bone was unpleasant to say the least. "Where are you going? Can't I come with you?"
    "No chance, Charlie."
    Maisie's sister, Doris, had taken ill. Maisie would have to go and look after her. There was no one else. But something would have to be done about Runner Bean. While Charlie was at school, there'd be no one in the house to feed him and look after him.
    "You'd better take him for a run now,” said Maisie. "I haven't had time. You can't keep him hidden much longer, Charlie; a lively dog like that is bound to be found out."
    As Charlie ran up to his room he could hear Runner Bean whining and scratching the door.
    "Shhhh!" Charlie leaped into the room and slammed the door behind him.
    Runner Bean put his paws on Charlie's shoulders and licked his face.
    "Thanks, but yuck!" whispered Charlie.
    There was a creak on the landing and a voice called, "Is that you, Charlie, slamming doors?"
    "It's me, Grandma," Charlie sang out. "I'm changing out of my school stuff."
    When Charlie put his head out of the door. Grandma Bone had gone back to her room.
    "Come on, Runner," Charlie said softly
    He ran downstairs with the dog bounding behind him. They left by the back door and slipped into the narrow street that led to the park. An hour later, Charlie and the dog arrived back at number nine, exhausted and hungry
    His mother was getting anxious and Charlie explained that he didn't know the time because he'd sort of lost his watch. Mrs. Bone sighed, "Honestly Charlie. I suppose you'd better wear mine until you find yours." She handed him her watch, which was fortunately not too feminine. "I'm just going to help Maisie with her packing," she said. "Back in a minute."
    Charlie searched for the cans of dog food Maisie had hidden. He'd just spotted a can of Bonio in the pantry when there was a loud scream and then a growl.
    Charlie looked around to see Grandma Bone rooted to the spot, just inside the door. "WHAT'S THAT DOING IN HERE?" she screeched, pointing at Runner Bean.
    "It's Benjamin's dog," Charlie said nervously "You know, Runner Bean."
    "Of course, I know, but why isn't it in Hong Kong?"
    Before Charlie had time to answer, Runner Bean, snarling horribly