Free Katy Parker and the House that Cried by Margaret Mulligan

to involve some near death scenario at the hands of the school bully, who was aptly named Brutus. At home they usually ate breakfast on the go. Katy quite liked how everyone sat down together – it helped take her mind off the coming day.
    It can’t possibly be any worse than normal school can it?
thought Katy.
    Her worries were interrupted by Mrs Graham, who placed brown paper packages in front of her and Patrick. Patrick ripped his open excitedly to find a toy soldier – just like the ones he had been playing with earlier with the twins. “Thanks Mrs Graham, this is great!”
    Mrs Graham smiled at Patrick and then turned to Katy. “It must be difficult for a girl of your age being away from her mum. I thought you might like this to write in, like a diary. You can record your experiences of life as an evacuee, and perhaps show your children one day.”
    Opening the package, Katy found an expensive-looking, red, leather-bound journal.
    â€œThanks, that’s a great idea,” said Katy, “I’ll keep it with me all the time.”
    You never know
, she thought,
it might come in handy, if I ever do get home and manage to finish my project.
    A moment later, she heard a knock on the door and, without waiting to be invited, in walked Charlie, still munching a half-eaten piece of toast. “Come on you four, you’d better get a move on. It’s old Higgins on gate duty. He’ll give us a black mark if we’re late. One more this term and I’ll get six of the best.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” asked Katy, hoping Charlie wasn’t about to say what she suspected.
    â€œThe cane, you nitwit, what do you think I mean?” said Charlie. “You’d better be careful,” he said, turning to Patrick, “they’re quick to dish out the punishments at St Joseph’s for all sorts of things.”
    â€œLike what?” Patrick asked nervously.
    â€œMessy work, ink smudges, dirty nails, hair touching your collar. Talking in class will get you a hard rap of the ruler across your knuckles. If a master thinks you’re insolent he won’t think twice about caning you and asking questions later.”
    Patrick gulped. “I can’t believe your teachers are actually allowed to hit you.” Both Patrick and Katyhad learned about this sort of punishment in their history lessons but being here and knowing that it could possibly happen to them made it feel a lot more serious.
    The twins laughed. “What sort of school have you been going to then? Our school motto is ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’. Our headmaster, Mr Cooper, takes it very seriously. He likes to have flogged at least four juniors before he breaks for his elevenses.”
    Patrick looked really quite worried. Charlie pushed the twins aside and said, “Shut up, you two. It’s not so bad. Keep your head down, follow the rules and you’ll be fine. It’s just that the twins are trouble makers, always up to no good.”
    â€œWhat’s my school like?” asked Katy, nervously.
    â€œThe nuns are fierce – so watch out – especially for Mother Superior. Just don’t catch her eye. Last week Tilly Burton was made to kneel all morning for passing notes in class.”
    Katy was horrified – she and Lizzie were always passing notes in class. If they were ever caught, the worst that ever happened to them was detention!
    Harry laughed at Katy’s horrified look, then added, “Usually it’s just ritual humiliation, designed to takeyou down a peg or two. You know, being made to stand in the corner with the dunce’s hat on. It’ll be the making of you. At least, that’s what they say.”
    â€œIgnore the twins,” interrupted Charlie. “It’s not so bad. Most of the meanest masters have gone off to fight. They’ve been replaced by some really elderly types. And St Hilda’s can’t be