02 London Bridge

2 London Bridge Warm daylight flooded into the tree house. Jack opened his eyes. Annie was wearing a long dress with an apron. Jack was wearing a shirt with puffy sleeves, knee-length pants, and tights. Their shoes were leather slippers. Jack's backpack was now a leather bag. “ These clothes are weird, " said Jack. His voice was nearly drowned out by the sound of thundering wagon wheels coming from below.

“ What's going on?" said Annie. She and Jack looked out. The tree house had landed in a patch of trees near a wide brown river. Wagons, carts, and people were heading toward the river.

Ferryboats, sailing ships, and white swans glided across the water. “ Wow, it's so busy, " said Annie. Jack opened their research book and read: In 1600, over 100, 000 people lived in London, England. At that time, England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth the First. She was much loved by her people. “ A queen? Cool, " said Annie.

Jack took out his notebook and wrote: London-1600 Queen Elizabeth the First “ I've never seen a bridge like that, " said Annie, looking to the left. Jack looked with her. A giant stone bridge crossed the river, The bridge looked like a small town. It was crowded with houses shops, and even a church. Jack found a picture of the bridge in their research book. He read aloud: At the heart of London was London Bridge. The bridge crossed the Thames(say TEMZ) River, At different times in history, the bridge fell down. But it was always built again.

“ Oh, wow, " said Annie. “ That must be where the song comes from. " She sang, “ London Bridge is falling down, falling down. While Annie sang, Jack took out his note. book and wrote: London Bridge-crosses Thames (TEMZ)River, crowded with stores and houses “ Let's go look for the magic, " said Annie. She read Morgan's note again: To find a special magic, You must step into the light And without wand, spell, or charm, Turn daytime into night. Jack squinted up at the sky. It was very blue, without even a cloud.

“ It's just not possible, " he said, shaking his head. But he threw the research book and his notebook into his leather bag. Then he followed Annie down the rope ladder. When they reached the ground, they started walking toward the river. “ P-U! ” Annie said, holding her nose. The river smelled terrible. No one else seemed to mind the smell, though. People were cheerfully piling into ferryboats or heading for the bridge. They all seemed happy, as if they were going some place fun. A group of ragged boys brushed past Jack and Annie. They were about twelve or thirteen years old. They were laughing and out of breath.