Free Undergardeners by Desmond Ellis Page A

said with a smile. “Let’s sole on it.” One after the other they all solemnly touched toes with Mouse. “Now remember, Mouse,” Alkus continued, “this has to be our secret. We can’t have Uptoppers interfering with our lives, which they would if they found out about us. Promise?” Mouse nodded vigorously.
    At the edge of the hole where the adventure had started, the Undergardeners hummed the rock into its open position. Suddenly Mouse had an awful thought. “But if we fill in this hole,” he said, “you won’t be able to raise the rock!”
    â€œOh, that’s all right,” exclaimed Alkus. “We have lots of entrances. Hollow trees, the edge of the riverbank, under other rocks—we have many ways in and out. In fact, until tonight, this portal hadn’t been used since before these houses and gardens were built.” She gestured about her with both hands. “Thank you for everything, Mouse. Next time we’re working near here we’ll get a message to you and we’ll meet again.”
    With one last goodbye to them all, Mouse turned and headed toward his back door.
    Back in his bedroom, he knew he should try to wash away all trace of the Undergarden, but he was afraid that the noise would wake his parents. That was his excuse, anyway. Let his mother wonder tomorrow how he managed to get muddy while he slept. Exhausted, he climbed into bed, his mind still buzzing with excitement. He was pleased with himself too. If I hadn’t rushed out to help Qwolsh, look what I would have missed— the best adventure I’ve ever had in my life. I’m a hero, by gollopers.
    And with that happy thought, Mouse fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Desmond Anthony Ellis lives in a house in Toronto that backs onto a park full of animals. There’s a river and a railway bridge nearby and lots of hiding places among trees and bushes; the perfect place for a boy to grow up. A place very like where Mouse lives, in fact. The Undergardeners is his first book.