Page 22 (1/2)

"Safe assuilt horse-drawn affair, like so blue ribbons and enairls and Greek heroes – pulled up next to theruous occupant for even the es, unfolded from within, ru jacket, although he had substituted cream linen trousers for the tith the result that he looked rather like a cricket player cross-bred with a librarian He’d forgotten a hat and his red hair was sticking up wildly in all directions in a fair iht

His little valet followed Virgil’s eyes ide and ible and the chaos of luggage surrounding it

The Spotted Custard now boasted a completely finished exterior Her balloon had indeed been painted bright red with black spots and coated in the necessary lacquers and oils to make her weather-resistant She shone in the late afternoon light like soondola section was picked out in shiny black, a stark contrast to the pale blond wood Railings and other details shone darkly beautiful in the late afternoon sun Da a colour that ainst the railings, le, your dress will never clash"

"Very well reasoned, Daht-faced response

Percy looked about with utter indifference

"Well, Percy," said his sister, drawing his attention to her presence "What do you think?"

"Why name the craft after a comestible and then decorate it like a Coccinellidae?"

Rue knew better than to atte with Professor Percival Tunstell "Because I like it that way"

Percy wrinkled his nose at her and then, distracted, leapt forward "Do be careful – those documents are hundreds of years old!"

Rue suil, be a dear and steer hiplank and down below into the library, would you, please? Spoo here will show you the way"

Spoo obliging appeared at Rue’s elbow and nodded at the young valet "Oi up, ible

Virgil looked askance at the soot-covered girl, near his own age but remarkably scruffy and laddish by co his manners Then he looked up at Rue, panicked "Hioes anywhere near those there scrolls"

Rue grinned "Ah, good Spoo, follow those trunks, pretend to be helpful and try to touch them but don’t actually do so"