Chapter 4

CHAPTE.R FOUR Ms Tansy gathered them all together around the reading tree– a giant tree that grew through the floor of the library. She seemed nervous to have Mr Longnose in the lesson with her and fiddled with her flowery, yellow-framed glasses. "Right. Today, everyone, we're going to practise your researching skills by looking up famous inventors. I want you to start by trying to find out about Count Lysander Thornberry." "I shall be fascinated to see what you find in books," Mr Longnose said. "I know the count personally. He is a first-rate scientist and an exceptional inventor. He was the first person to successfully combine magic and science to make

a rain machine." A disapproving look crossed his face. "He might be vain with a ridiculously flamboyant dress sense but his work is undeniably brilliant." Zara put her hand up. "I thought the count was a recluse and avoided people." She loved science and often read science books and magazines for fun. "How do you know him, Mr Longnose?" "We studied geology together before he became famous," said Mr Longnose, with a sniff. "The count was lucky enough to continue with his scientific work, becoming the famous inventor everyone knows today, whereas I had to give up my research and get a paid job." Phoebe raised her hand. "Mr Longnose, if you studied geology, do you know much about volcanoes?" "Phoebe, that's really not relevant," said Ms Tansy, giving the inspector an anxious glance. "Today's lesson is about inventors not volcanoes." "No, no, it is quite all right, Ms Tansy," said Mr Longnose, his expression losing some of its usual severity. "Volcanoes are a particular

interest of mine and I completed several research papers on them before I became a school inspector. Do you have a question about volcanoes?" he asked Phoebe. Phoebe nodded. "We heard that Mount Inferno's rumbling. How likely is it to erupt?" "Now that is a very interesting question," Mr Longnose said. He steepled his fingers beneath his chin. "Dormant volcanoes sometimes start to show signs of activity without erupting. The rumblings from Mount Inferno may be false alarms or they may signal that an eruption is imminent."

"Will we be in danger here if it does erupt?" Tom from Topaz dorm asked. "No, although the effects will be felt elsewhere– most particularly on the coast. A serious eruption will cause all sorts of problems."

Mr Longnose looked strangely excited. "If it does happen, it will be a most interesting event to study. Most interesting indeed!" Phoebe watched his face curiously. He looked almost as if he wanted it to happen! "Now, any other questions?" he asked. "Why do you think it has become active again after all these years?" asked Zara. "Well, there are several possibilities." Mr Longnose launched into a long rambling speech about dormant volcanoes. Zara listened carefully but Phoebe soon gave up paying attention. Her thoughts returned to earlier. Despite Shimmer urging her not to change, she wondered if she should try not to exaggerate so much. It was much more fun to make dull events into exciting stories but she still felt bad she'd given Mr Longnose the wrong impression of the school, and she disliked the way Zara hadn't trusted her to put things right. She sighed. Maybe she should stick to the truth more. You know what, I'll try, she decided.

Phoebe's decision was quickly put to the test. As the day went on, more and more reports started coming in about the rumbling Mount Inferno. It appeared there had been several mini eruptions which were already causing problems. "I spoke to my aunt and she said there was such a high tide this afternoon a rainbow-fountain whale got beached on the roof of her house," Spike said at dinner. "And apparently the village next to ours has fallen down a huge crack that opened up in the road," countered Johan. "And Lauren said that her cousin's house was under—" Phoebe broke off. She'd been about to say underwater. But really all Lauren had told her was that her cousin's family were evacuating from their village because of the potential risk of flooding. She sighed as she decided not to add to the story. Being truthful was very boring. "Under what?" said Zara. "Nothing," muttered Phoebe, but as she saw everyone lose interest in her and start to look