10 Shocks and surprises

Chapter 10 Shocks and surprises Back at Edmund's cottage, Anna was making tea when Edmund returned- with Thora in his arms. "Bring some water quickly!" he called to Anna.

Anna ran to the water pump. But then she heard a cruel laugh. If it isn't little Anna! It was Paulfrey. "Lazarus seems pleased to see you," he sneered. "I think I'll let him off the leash." Anna screamed.

The second before Lazarus launched himself on Anna, a clear voice rang out from the cottage. "No boy!" cried Edmund, and the hound slumped to the ground. Paulfrey was furious- and very confused. "That dog never obeys strangers..." He looked more closely at Edmund. "Hey! Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" he demanded.

Edmund smiled. "Indeed you have," he replied. "Surely you haven't forgotten me?" Paulfrey's jaw dropped. "You're..." Master Edmund! "Yes Paulfrey. I'm Edmund Rakenhell!" Harry and Charlotte, who had raced out behind Edmund, listened in amazement as he went on. "Did you think, when you forced me to leave home ten years ago, that I was gone for good?"

"Edmund!" Charlotte interrupted, "Is it really you? Why didn't you come home to Mystery Mansion?" "I didn't trust Paulfrey not to turn Father against me," said Edmund. "Colly knew I was back. He gave me a key to the cottage."

Edmund glared at Paulfrey. "I've come back to sort out Jack O'Lantern... and you," he declared "What can you do?" sneered Paulfrey. "Jack is turning all the villagers crazy- and your father, with his rages, is craziest of all!" "And that suits you," Edmund retorted. "He's too worried about Jack to notice your bullying- or stealing." Paulfrey's face grew bright red. He looked as if he were about to hit Edmund, but then he simply turned and ran off into the marsh.