儿童读物 神奇树屋 30 - Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve.doc

PAGE PAGE 26 Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve Magic Tree House #30 Chapter 1: All Hallows Eve “Maybe I should be a vampire instead of a princess,” said Annie. She and Jack were sitting on their front porch. A cool breeze rustled the trees. Autumn leaves twirled to the ground. “But you already have your princess costume,” said Jack. “Besides, you were a vampire last Halloween.” “I know, but I want to wear my big teeth again,” said Annie. “So wear your big teeth and be a vampire-princess,” said Jack. He stood up. “I’m going to go put on my ghoul makeup now.” KRAW! “Oh, man!” said Jack. A giant black bird swooped down to the ground. The bird strutted through the fallen leaves. Its feathers glistened in the golden afternoon light. “Wow, is that a crow?” asked Annie. “It’s too big for a crow,” said Jack. “I think it might be a raven.” “A raven?” said Annie. “Cool.” The raven lifted its sleek head and stared at them with bright eyes. Jack held his breath. The bird hopped forward. It flapped its great black wings and lifted into the air. Then he glided into the autumn sky and headed toward the Frog Creek woods. Annie jumped up. “It’s a sign! Morgan’s back!” she said. “I think you’re right!” said Jack. “Let’s go!” Jack and Annie hurried across their front yard, crunching through the leaves. They ran up their street and into the Frog Creek woods. When they came to the tallest oak, they saw the rope ladder swaying in the wind. The magic tree house was waiting for them. “Just as we thought,” Annie said, smiling. Jack followed her up the ladder. When they climbed inside the tree house, they saw no sign of Morgan le Fay, the enchantress from the kingdom of “That’s weird,” said Jack, looking around. The wind blew hard again, shaking the tree branches. A huge yellow leaf fluttered through the open window and came to rest at Jack’s feet. “Oh, man,” he said. “Look at this.” “What?” said Annie. Jack picked up the leaf. There was writing on it. The letters were curvy and old-fash