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13 - Ghostly Warnings
The two boys sneaked in the back door and Xephos made sure he dropped the latch on the lock! They crept upstairs and hoped they hadn't been missed. The sound of gentle snoring from Aunt Kim's room, and loud snoring from old Honeydew next door, reassured them that they hadn't.
  Five minutes later they were back in bed, Lalna whispered fervently, going over and over the recent events. Xephos hardly heard a word, he was so tired. What a weird night! Or was it morning? He craved sleep.
  However, as usual, Lalna was asleep before him, breathing deeply by his side. And just as Xephos' own eyes began to close, something disturbed him. It was a sound from downstairs. He strained his ears. There it was again . . . footsteps . . . definitely footsteps. Someone was moving about down below.
  He crept out of bed and moved toward the landing. He was tempted to wake Lalna, but decided against it. Perhaps Honeydew had got out of bed and was wandering about. But no! Xephos could still hear the old man snoring from his bedroom.
  Taking one step at a time and treading lightly, Xephos made his way down the stairs. He stood at the bottom and listened, hoping that the sound would go away. But it didn't! He heard footsteps again . . . but more distant not . . . from the kitchen.
  He picked up the poker from the side of the fire and raised it to his shoulder. With his heart beating ever faster, he peered around the kitchen door and prepared for the worst.
  There was no one there!
  He sighed with relief. And then heard more footsteps . . . from the other side of the cellar door . . . which was open!
  Something was definitely moving down the stone steps leading to the cellar. Xephos crept towards the open door, but decided that no way was he going down there. With his heart in his mouth, he peered down the steps. All was in darkness. But to his horror, he was able to make out the outline of a tall figure standing at the bottom of the steps.
  "Come on down, Xephos," a gentle voice called up to him. "I'm not going to hurt you." There was a real warmth in the voice.
  "Can I put the light on?"
  "Course you can, lad. Come on down. I want a word."
  Xephos flicked the light switch on and stared down the steps. The figure was gone! This was getting frustrating!
  "Are you still down there?" Xephos called as loudly as he dared. He didn't want to disturb anyone else in the house.
  "Still here, Xephos. I'm resting my legs around the corner. You needn.t be afraid. Come on down . . . I promise I won't bite."
    Despite his instincts telling him that the figure was friendly, Xephos raised his weapon again - just to be on the safe side - and started down the steps. As he neared the bottom, a strong smell of seaweed filled his nostrils.
  This is getting weirder and weirder, Xephos thought to himself.
  He raised his weapon higher, took a deep breath and darted around the corner into the main cellar.
  "I wonder what your Aunt Kim would say if she saw you with her poker," the seaman laughed - at least he looked like a seaman.
  Xephos stared in awe at the figure seated in front of him. The man wore a yellow oilskin coat over black trousers and big Wellington boots.
  "Come and sit by me, Xephos," the man said kindly. He pulled up a wooden box and gestured Xephos to sit on it.
  "Who are you?" Xephos asked, starting to relax a little.
  "Your Uncle Ridge."
  Xephos sat down and looked into the man's face. His eyes were blue - as blue as any ocean Xephos had even seen. What with his curly chestnut hair, bronzed skin and flashing white teeth, he reminded Xephos of a handsome pirate . . . a film star. "Well, you do look like the photographs - but you're dead!" Xephos said. And then he thought better of it, "Sorry! I didn't mean to sound . . ."
  The man laughed and clapped his hands together. "Don't apologise, lad. You're right - I'm as dead as a doormail!"
  Xephos looked into the kind face again. It was definitely Uncle Ridge! "So you must be a ghost!"
  "Aye . . . like the girl you and your pal hang around with."
  "Xevphera?"
  "Aye, that's right. Xevphera Purpleblade. She's the reason I'm here."
  Xephos tensed. He sensed there was some bad news on the way. Uncle Ridge leant forward and placed his big hands on his knees. "Xevphera means well. She's a heart of gold . . . like you lad!"
  Xephos felt the colour rush into his cheeks. "So what's the problem?"
  Uncle Ridge leant even closer and the smell of seaweed made Xephos feel nauseous. "The problem is that she'll stop at nothing until all them sailor dolls are done for and Scullion is back where he belongs . . ."
  Xephos fidgeted nervously on his box. "Where does he belong?"
  The expression on Uncle Ridge's face turned serious. He looked above Xephos' head and stared into space. "With the Devil, son!" He looked at Xephos again. "I was his greed that drove Xevphera and her mother to finish up the way they did - but I think you already know that . . . just like you know all about those sailor dolls."
  Xephos nodded. "You mean the Dawn Demons?"
  "Is that what you call 'em?"
  Xephos nodded. "Xevphera told us . . . it's what she calls them."
  "Well, as I was saying, that young lass will stop at nothing until they're all done for. Even if it means putting you at risk . . . and that pal of yours."
  "But we like Xevphera!" Xephos said defensively. "She wouldn't do anything to hurt us."
  Uncle Ridge frowned and stared hard into Xephos' eyes. "No, I know that. But Scullion won't stop until he's bought this town to its knees. That's his plan, you see, and you've interfered. Xevphera's got you and your mate involved."
  "And we're winning!" Xephos beamed.
  "Six down and four to go, eh?" Uncle Ridge smiled, but still with a stern look in his eyes. "And you know that every time you get rid of one, the others get stronger?"
  Xephos nodded. Uncle Ridge seemed to know everything. "Yes, Xevphera told us. And she knows where they all are."
  "And no doubt the three of you are going to hunt them down and finish them off and put paid to Scullion's plans forever!"
  "That's the idea!" Xephos said proudly, but with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
  Uncle Ridge smiled kindly again. "Look, Xephos. That's why I'm here - to warn you. Scullion knows you're on to him and that you mean business. Those dolls of his - 'Dawn Demons' or whatever you want to call them - they're not going to sit tight and wait for you and your mates to find them."
  Xephos' voice trembled a little more. "What do you mean?"
  "Scullion will have them strike you first, so you'd better be on your guard, lad. Xevphera may be a gutsy lass - she's a strong spirit - but she's no match for Scullion. He's the Devil's own!"
  Xephos felt the familiar butterflies fluttering in his stomach. The seaman was right. They'd already suffered one unprovoked attack on the ghost train. He looked into Uncle Ridge's face again and decided it was the most caring face he'd ever seen.
  "What's it like to be dead?" Xephos suddenly asked.
  "Sometimes it's better than being alive, son . . . but I miss your Aunt Kim - and especially her homemade steak and mushroom pies." Xephos' uncle laughed. "I don't suppose you saved me any?"
  Xephos smiled and wished his uncle had survived that horrible storm. He would have been the best uncle ever.
  "Ive got to go, son," Uncle Ridge said, climbing to his feet. "Now, remember what I said. Be on your guard day and night. And don't rely too much on Xevphera. You need to take charge now, Xephos. You're a special lad . . . they don't come much cleverer than you!"
  Xephos nodded solemnly.
  "And one final thing," the sailor said, rising to his feet, "Always remember the old saying: 'Red sky at night . . . shepards' delight. Red sky dawning . . . sailor's warning'."
  Xephos looked puzzled. "But what does that mean, exactly?"
  A familiar voice cut him off. It sounded from the top of the cellar steps. "Is that you, Xephos?"
  Xephos ran to the bottom of the cellar steps and looked up. Aunt Kim was standing there in her dressing gown and slippers.
  "Whatever are you doing down there at this hour?" she whispered.
  Xephos wasn't even sure what hour it was. "Sorry! But you'll never believe who I'm talking to. Come and have a look!" His heart raced with excitement at the thought of Aunt Kim seeing Uncle Ridge again.
  Aunt Kim frowned and walked quickly down the steps to join him. He led her around the corner and pointed towards the two upturned boxes . . . nobody there!
  Xephos dragged Aunt Kim over to where he and his uncle had sat. "He was here, Aunt Kim. I promise you. It was Uncle -"
  "That's enough, young man!" Aunt Kim interrupted. "You've been dreaming again sleepwalking - and it's time you were back in bed. It's almost time to get up!"
  It was obvious to Xephos that Aunt Kim didn't want to hear any more.
  As they turned to leave, he noticed a small puddle of slimy green water where Uncle Ridge's boots had been rested on the floor. He also noticed the faint smell of seaweed still hanging in the air.
  But most of all, he noticed a tear in Aunt Kim's eye as she took his arm and led him away back to bed.

14 - Surprise Attack
The next morning, while they were getting dressed, Xephos told Lalna about his early-morning encounter in the cellar. During breakfast, they continued their conversation in low whispers to avoid Honeydew hearing them. The old man slurped his cereal and eyed them with suspicion.
  "It's rude to whisper!" Aunt Kim said, bustling in with a plate of toast. "What are you two planning to do today?"
  "Not sure yet," Xephos said. "We're just discussing it."
  "Well, you could do a bit of shopping for me. I'm out of shampoo and loo paper and I could do with a few other things."
  Xephos nodded in Lalna's direction. Lalna nodded back.
  "Ok. We'll have a look around the shops this morning and maybe have a walk on the beach this afternoon."
  "It's alright for some!" Honeydew muttered, loud enough for them to hear. "I've got work to do."
  Aunt Kim collected his empty cereal bowl and scoffed at him. "And you love every minute of it down on that allotment. So don't be an old moaner!"
  Honeydew pretended not to hear and reached for a piece of toast. Xephos and Lalna did the same.
  "What's an allotment?" Xephos whispered.
  "It's a kind of garden where old people grow potatoes and stuff," Lalna answered.
  "Not just old people and not just potatoes," Honeydew muttered. "You should come up and have a look. You could even make yourself useful and give me a hand for an hour. It might toughen you up a bit."
  Xephos always liked to make himself useful. "Where is it?" he asked.
  "Five minutes away . . . other end of Mistral Street."
  Xephos looked at Lalna. He was chewing a mouthful of toast. "We could go up tis afternoon instead of going on the beach." Lalna nodded. "We'll come and find you this afternoon then," Xephos said, smiling at the old man.
  "I'll believe it when I see it," Honeydew said, getting up to leave the table.
  Aunt Kim came in from the kitchen again. "I've made you a list. There's not much. And before I forget, would you both give your mums a ring, just to let them know you're fine."
  "Ok!" Xephos and Lalna replied at the same time.

An hour later, the two boys were walking up the high street. Unlike the rest of the town, the main shopping precinct looked quite new and fresh. The shop windows were filled with brightly-coloured posters and attractive displays, and everywhere seemed busy.
  "Fancy a look in here?" Lalna asked, peering into a window full of computer games and DVD's. Xephos nodded.
  A few minutes later, they were back in the street. Lalna beamed at Xephos, delighted with his new purchase, a computer game called Zomble Warriors!
  "It's a pity Aunt Kim's not got a PC," Xephos sighed.
  "No big deal!" Lalna replied cheerily. "It'll wait till we get home."
  He took the game out of the bag and examined the bright packaging, before passing it to Xephos.
  Xephos looked at it admiringly. "Brilliant!"
  Before either of them had time to say anything else, Xephos felt a hard knock on the back of his left knee. He turned and looked down as a small hooded figure reached up and snatched the computer game from his hand.
  "Hey!" he screamed instinctively.
  But the figure had already hared off up the busy street and disappeared among the shoppers.
  "Get after him!" Lalna yelled.
  Xephos had already set off in chase, weaving his way through the shoppers, desperate to catch sight of the small hooded thief. "I CAN SEE HIM!" Xephos yelled back to Lalna. "He's gone round that corner!"
  Lalna managed to catch Xephos up and a moment later they found themselves running up a narrow passageway between two stores. "THERE HE GOES!" Lalna shouted.
  They raced on through a network of narrow alleyways between the backs of the shops, the small hooded figure just managing to keep ahead of them. The final passage opened out on tot he square area of waste ground enclosed by high walls. They were just in time to see the thief disappear behind a large waste skip. An abandoned pram stood in front of it.
  There was no one around and the enclosed area suddenly seemed very lonely. Xephos began to feel threatened and vulnerable. They moved on towards the pram.
    "Stop!" Xephos said sternly, pulling at Lalna's arm.
  "What's wrong?"
  "I don't like it!"
  "Like what?"
  Xephos stared nervously ahead.
  The pram . . . the waste skip full of rubbish . . . several abandoned supermarket trolleys . . . high brick walls covered in graffiti . . . old cans, chip cartons and other little scattered on the ground - the scene made him feel uncomfortable. "There's something not right! You stay here and watch my back."
"Blimey! This is like one of those films you see on TV," Lalna joked. But Xephos sensed that his friend was putting on an act. Lalna was really just as scared as he was.
  Xephos walked towards the abandoned pram and an eerie silence descended over everything. To make matters worse, the sky grew darker as black clouds gathered overhead. It began to spit with rain.
  Xephos reached the old pram, grabbed the chrome handle, and tipped it toward him so he could see inside. The sight of the back of the baby's head almost caused his heart to stop.
  "What's wrong?" Lalna shouted nervously.
  There's a baby inside!"
  "I can't believe it," Lalna shouted.
    Xephos leant closer and peered in at the baby's head. It was almost hidden under the blankets. And then, all at one, it stirred and turned to face him. Xephos shrieked in terror as the evil face glared up at him.
  "ITS ONE OF THEM!" Xephos yelled.
  As he jumped back, the doll thrust out its clawing hands and grabbed hold of his hair. He stumbled backwards and fell flat on his back, the doll still clinging to his head and sitting astride his neck.
  Lalna ran to his rescue, but stopped in his tracks as the small figure in the black duffle coat appeared on top of the rubbish skip. It dropped its hood and started laughing hysterically - high-pitched devilish laughter!
  "We've been tricked!" Lalna gasped.
  But Xephos had too much on his mind to take any notice. The doll knelt on is chest, its painted wooden hands squeezing his neck with incredible strength.
  As the second doll leapt down from the rubbish skip and hurled itself at Lalna, Xephos coughed and choked and struggled for breath. He pushed and pushed at the hideous little face, but it wouldn't budge . . . it just kept on squeezing. It was only as he stretched his left arm out that he felt the brick by his side. He grasped it and smashed it into the doll's face. The brick was heavy; it knocked the doll off his chest like a bowling ball toppling a skittle.
  Meanwhile, the second Dawn Demon hurled itself at Lalna and latched on to his knee, clawing and biting at his leg. Lalna screamed and punched its hard wooden head.
  At the same time, the first doll sprang back to its feet and faced Xephos, ready to resume its attack . . . until a metallic ringing sound distracted it.
  They all swung round as the girl charged forward, pushing the supermarket trolley. It bumped, clanged and gathered momentum, on course for the doll standing at Xephos' feet.
  Xephos' attacker stood frozen, unsure what to do . . . until it was too late!

  The trolley rolled over the doll and knocked it to the floor, entangling it between the wheels and the trolled bottom. Xephos needed no telling what to do. He jumped to his feet and leapt into the trolley, his added weight helping pin the doll to the ground.
  Meanwhile, the second doll detached itself from Lalna's leg, pulled up its hood and charged back towards the rubbish skip, disappearing around the back of it.
  While the doll squirmed beneath the trolley, Xevphera picked up the brick that Xephos had thrown earlier.   "Ok, Xephos, when I count to three, jump out," Xevphera said, raising the brick ready to strike.
  Xephos did as she said. On the count of three, he leapt out of the trolley and the doll tried to free itself. But Xevphera was far too quick. She brought the brick down on to the doll's head, splitting it in two.
  Xephos fell back into a sitting position on the hard ground. His neck really hurt. He stared at the smashed doll lying close to his feet and saw that parts of it were still twitching. "Scullion's still trying to control it," he croaked.
  Xevphera picked up the brick. She brought it down on the prostrate doll again and again, smashing it to pieces, "It's not moving now!" she said triumphantly.
  As Lalna tended to his wounds, Xephos stared up at Xevphera as she towered over her victim, an expression of grim determination written all over her face.
  Uncle Ridge had been exactly right. Xevphera was determined to beat Scullion and his vile army - and Xephos was part of the battle, and Lalna too. But this time the Dawn Demons had been one step ahead of them and had tricked them, and Xevphera had only just managed to save them.
  What about next time?
    He and Lalna would need all their senses to be on full alert. Xevphera might not always be there.
  She came over, held out her hand and pulled him up with amazing strength.
  "Another one done for," she said proudly. "Seven down and three to go."
  Xephos watched as Lalna climbed to his feet and walked over towards the rubbish skip. He picked up the computer game lying abandoned on the floor. He tried to dust it down and began fiddling with it. Xephos saw the look of disappear on his face. "Oh well, I suppose three's not too many . . ." he said, trying to sound encouraging.
  But in his head, Xephos was thinking that three dolls were still a lot of dolls - and his aching neck only confirmed what Xevphera had said from the beginning: the Dawn Demons were getting stronger all the time!

15 - Detective Inspector Prior
Aunt Kim's shopping had finally been remembered and dropped off at the house. And now the rain began to fall in torrents as Xevphera ran on towards Mistral Street, with Xephos and Lalna trying desperately to keep up.
  'Blimey . . . are we nearly there?" Lalna gasped.
  "He said the allotments were only five minutes away," Xephos replied, his throat still feeling sore from the doll attack.
  Xevphera stopped and called back to them. "Nearly there . . . Keep up - you'll get soaked."
  The raindrops turned to silver rods and pummelled into the pavement. 2We can't get any wetter!" Xephos cried through the watery veil. "How about you?"
  "I'm soaked to the skin," Xevphera yelled in a cheery voice, "but I love it! I'm a mermaid, remember?"
  Lalna looked across to Xephos and shrugged his shoulders.
  A few minutes later, which seemed like an eternity, they reached a fence made up from corrugated sheeting. The sheets were covered in graffiti and one of the tags brought a sharp reaction from Lalna and Xephos.
  "Look! The wheely bin with the eyes peeping out! The Dawn Demons have been here," Lalna said.
  "They've been here all right," Xevphera sighed. "The gate's smashed in."
  Xephos looked from the brightly-daubed image to the wooden door in the fence. It was hanging off its hinges and had a hole punched through the middle.
  Xevphera shoved the door to one side and entered the allotments. "I don't know where the old man hangs out," Xevphera said. "We'll have to take a look. He shouldn't be hard to find . . . if he's still here!"
  "Let's hope he's ok," Xephos said. "I can see a shed with smoke coming out of a chimney. It could be him sheltering inside."
  "I hope so," Lalna sighed. "I've had enough of this! I'm soaked!"
  "Look! Some of the plants have been pulled up," Xevphera said. "Dawn Demons again!"
  Xephos glanced around the rectangular garden plots. Even through the rain it was easy to spot the rows of winter vegetables pulled up and strewn across the ground.
  "I hope old Honeydew's safe!" Xephos repeated.
  A nervous look spread across Lalna's face. "Do you think those devil dolls could still be around?"
  Xevphera shook her head. "I don't think so. It all looks quiet to me. And it's raining too hard - even for the Dawn Demons!" She headed back towards the wrecked gate.
  Xephos and Lalna glanced at each other. "Where are you going?" they asked together.
  Xevphera grinned. "Back to the bottom of the sea . . . where nobody worries about getting wet. Catch you alter!"
    And she was gone.
  "That girl can be so frustrating," Lalna fumed.
  'And so useful', Xephos thought to himself. He felt much more vulnerable when she wasn't around. "Let's check out that hut!"
  They ran on through a patchwork of garden plots heading towards a shed with a crooked metal chimney, a thin column of smoke rising form it. Xephos knocked on the door and hoped that it would open to reveal a familiar face.
  "GO AWAY!" a gruff voice boomed form inside.
  Xephos looked at Lalna. The rain dripped off their hair and ran down their necks. "It's us - Xephos and Lalna! We said we'd meet you here!" Xephos shouted back.
  There was a pause . . . a silence . . . just the sound of the rain driving into the ground . . . followed by footsteps from inside the shed . . . cautious footsteps.
  The door opened a little and a familiar face peered round at them. "Good grief! I didn't expect you two to show up in this lot!"
    Never had Xephos been so pleased to see Honeydew. He could already feel the warmth and dryness from the other side of the door. By the look on Lalna's face, he felt exactly the same.
  "Don't just stand there! Come on in!" the old man ordered them. As soon as they were inside, he glanced outside, shut the door and locked it.
  Meanwhile, the two boys gazed around their warm refuge.
    An old stove stood in the corner. It had a small glass door, which was open. The bright-yellow flames presented a cheerful contrast to the foul weather outside. A small rug and an old armchair stood in front of it. A little table, a rickety old dining chair and a shabby chest of drawers were the only other items of furniture.
  But it was the walls of the shed that commanded most of Xephos and Lalna's attention. They were covered in photographs and pictures, hardly a square inch of wood showing through them.
  "Wow! Get a load of this!" Xephos gasped.
  "That's some collection! There's more pictures here than we saw at the lifeboat station," Lalna pointed out.
  "Don't stand there dripping!" Honeydew mumbled at them. "Get those coats off and I'll hang them by the stove. Did you see anything out there?"
  "We saw the graffiti and the smashed gate," Xephos said.
  "And some vegetables pulled up," Lalna added.
  "Winter cabbage and sprouts!" Honeydew frowned.
  They handed him their wet coats and the old man took them without speaking. Xephos and Lalna looked closely at the photographs.
  "They're all policemen," Lalna said.
  Xephos looked from one photograph to another. Lalna was right - lots of policemen, all standing in lines and looking serious. Some of the photographs looked much older than others . . . faded and yellow . . . heir corners curling up.
  "Cheat police and District Constabulary," Honeydew muttered from over by the stove. "There are some more recent ones on that other wall."
  The two boys walked over to where Honeydew was pointing, and looked at the pictures. One of them showed a man in a smart suit, standing on his own.
  "This is you!" Xephos said in an excited voice.
  Lalna stood by him and scanned the photo eagerly. "And these others . . . they're you as well - when you were younger."
  The old man sauntered over. "You mean when I had more hair!"
  Lalna clanked at Xephos. Xephos smiled back at him. They went on studying the photographs.
  "Wow! You were a detective inspector!" Lalna said admiringly.
  "I was . . . for ten years," Honeydew said, cheering up a little.
  "Detective Inspector Prior," Xephos said. "Sounds brilliant!"
  The old man's eyes sparkled. "Come and sit on the rug - warm yourselves. There's something I want to show you."
  They did as Honeydew said and sat in front of the stove. The rain drummed rhythmically on the shed window and reminded them of the foul weather outside. They watched as the old man rummaged through a drawer and took out a pair of handcuffs.
  "Wow! Are those handcuffs real?" Xephos asked.
  "Course they're real!" Honeydew replied. "And still as good as new. You can look at them if you like."
  He threw them across the room. Xephos caught them and stared at them admiringly. The metal glistening. "Did you use these on real criminals?" he asked.
  Honeydew looked disinterested. He was still rummaging through the drawer. "Yes, lots of times. You can borrow them for a few days if you like. You'd better have the key." He passed the small key across to Xephos "Don't lose it!"
  "Wow . . . lucky!" Lalna said enviously.
  Xephos put the key in his pocket and began playing with the handcuffs. They were so shiny. "Brilliant!"
  Honeydew seemed to find what he was looking for. He walked over, sat in the armchair and passed some more photographs to Lalna and Xephos. "Put those handcuffs away and take a look at these," he said, his expression very serious.
  Xephos looked at the top photograph. It showed a man's head and shoulders and a number written across the bottom. "He looks mean!"
  "Really mean!" Lalna added. "These photos are all of the same man, aren't they?"
  Honeydew nodded. "That's Scullion - the man I told you about. A nasty piece of work!"
  Xephos glanced over Lalna's shoulder. "What's the number written at the bottom?"
  "His prison number," Honeydew replied.
  "So you got him in the end," Lalna stated, rather than asked.
  The old man nodded solemnly. He got up from his chair and put some more wood on the stove. "Yes - eventually! He was a thief, a smuggler and a loan shark."
  "What's a loan shark?" Xephos asked.
  "Someone who loans you money and then charges you twice as much when you have to pay it back," Honeydew said.
  "And then they get nasty when you can't afford it," Lalna added.
  Honeydew nodded. "That's right. And Scullion was really nasty. He preyed on the weak - made their lives miserable . . . like Xevphera's mum."
  "So why did people put up with him?" Xephos asked.
  "There were lots of desperate people in those days, and more than enough witnesses. But nobody dare speak up - the whole town was scared of him. But as you say, we got him in the end. He got twenty years. I was the arresting officer. We picked him up on the night of the storm - when your uncle got killed. He sad he was innocent, of course, that he knew nothing about the drugs and other goods stashed on-board."
  Xephos studied Scullions photograph. His face was scary to say the least - scary and pointed with evil red eyes. His mouth was the worst - thin, snake like lips set into a scowl; crooked teeth, pointed and sharp. "So how come you managed to lock him up?"
  The old man stared at the stove and gazed at the lively yellow flames. "I finally persuaded folk to speak out . . . to give evidence. I told them the town would be a safer place without him."
  "And was it?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew turned towards Xephos and looked at him with big soulful eyes. "It was . . . until he escaped."
  "Wow! How did he do that?" Xephos and Lalna asked together.
  Honeydew hesitated . . . put his hands on his knees. "He died . . ."
  The wood on the fire suddenly hissed and spat, the flames danced more brightly, and an eerie silence fell over the shed.
  The old man finally continued. "He died in prison not long ago . . . that's when the trouble started - the acts of vandalism, my house burning down."
Lalna gawped at Xephos. Xephos gawped back.
  "So you know about Scullion's spirit . . . ghost . . . or whatever you want to call it?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew nodded. "And I know about the sailor dolls and the young lass."
  "Xevphera?" Lalna asked. "You know about Xevphera?"
  "I know more than you think, lad," Honeydew frowned, still nodding his head. "Don't forget I was a policeman for most of my life."
    "A detective inspector . . ." Xephos added.
  Honeydew went back to the chest of drawers and took out a notebook. It looked old and well worn with all the corners dog-eared. "I've been keeping a record of everything. I've even stayed up all night and watched out for those doll creatures."
  "Dawn Demons," Xephos said. "That's what Xevphera calls them."
  "And did you ever see them?" Lalna asked.
  Honeydew tapped his notebook. "It's all in here, lad. I've seen them more than once."
  "So why didn't you tell the police?" Xephos asked. "Surely they would have believed you - an ex-detective inspector."
  "And your house being burnt down - that's really serious," Lalna pointed out. "You could have been killed."
  "It's called 'arson', son. And you're right - it is a really serious crime. But do you think anyone in their right mind would have believed me when I told them I was a victim of a gang of sailor dolls . . . controlled by a dead man?"
  "Suppose not!" Xephos agreed.
  "The ravings of an old man - that's what they would have said. I would have agreed with them when I was younger."
  A gust of wind rattled the window. Xephos moved closer to the store. "It's really cosy and warm in here," he said.
  Honeydew sat back in his armchair, Xephos and Lalna by his feet. "This is my second home. I love it here," the old man sighed. "Now they've even spoilt that. Nowhere safe with those . . . Dawn whatsits around. Scullion won't rest till the town's as dead as he is - and me as well! I still remember the day he was sent down . . . shouting and screaming. He swore he'd get his revenge on the townsfolk for putting him behind bars."
This was it! The missing piece of the jigsaw! Lalna had guessed that Honeydew would know Scullion's motives for all the trouble - and he'd been right!
  Xephos looked back to Honeydew and felt sorry for him. No wonder the old man had seemed miserable and grumpy. Scullion and his Devil Army were making life impossible for him. "We'll try and help you," Xephos said enthusiastically.
  Lalna nodded. "We'll do everything we can."
  Honeydew turned his head towards them and managed a feeble smile.
  A sudden thumping sound from the roof caused them all to look upwards.
  "God . . . what was that?" Lalna stammered.
  The old man almost jumped out of his chair. He made his way over to the window and peered out - the raindrops were still streaming down the glass.
  "Can . . . can you see anything?" Lalna asked with a worried look on his face.
  "No, son . . . I can't see anything. But that's no pigeon on the roof!"
  More loud bangs sounded above their heads and Xephos jumped to his feet. He stared up at the roof. "You're right . . . it isn't a pigeon . . . it's another one of those Dawn Demons!"

16 - No Smoke Without Fire
Strange sounds continued above their heads.
  "Something's rolling down the roof," Xephos said, running over to the window. He stared through the glass and watched in disbelief as a large round potato dropped to the ground.
  "It's a spud!"
  More rumbling and rolling sounded above their heads. The three of them watched as another potato fell past the window.
  "What the Devil's going on?" Honeydew stammered.
  A clunk sounded from behind them. All three of them swung round and stared at the stove. The flames spit and hissed and turned to smoke.
  "Something's fallen down the stove pipe and landed in the fire," Lalna said.
  Before anyone had chance to react, a second clunk sounded, followed by a third and fourth.
  "I don't believe it! They're dropping potatoes down the chimney into the stove."
  As if to confirm the old man's theory, a fifth potato landed heavily in the fire and rolled out through the little glass door on to the floor. Smoke billowed into the room.
  Xephos charged out of the shed door, Lalna close on his heels. He climbed up on to a water butt and stared up at the chimney. Lalna clambered up beside him.
  Their worst fears were confirmed!
  One of the dolls was kneeling on the apex of the roof, its arms full of potatoes, stuffing them down the narrow chimney pipe. It glared down at them and split two of the potatoes . . . they rolled down the floor. Xephos reached out and caught one. He drew his arm back and threw it with all his might at the doll. It missed.
  The doll grinned an evil grin and turned its attentions towards them. They watched in horror as it climbed slowly to its feet. It stood perfectly balanced on the sloping roof and hurled a large potato with great strength. It struck Lalna on the temple and knocked him off the water butt, flat on to the ground.
  "Lalna! Are you ok?" Xephos shrieked, jumping down by his side.
  Lalna lay dazed on the muddy ground, the rain still falling in torrents. "Get . . . get . . . Honeydew out!" Lalna stuttered. "The smoke . . .!"
  At first, Xephos didn't understand what Lalna was trying to say, but he turned round and saw that the shed was full of smoke. Then it clicked. The doll was blocking the chimney . . . filling it with potatoes . . . smoking the old man out!
  Xephos opened the door and saw Honeydew coughing and spluttering, trying desperately to put out the stove. But it was no good! The whole of the shed was filling rapidly with thick black smoke.
  "GET OUT!" Xephos screamed at him.
  But the old man just dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Without hesitation Xephos raced in and grabbed hold of his arms. He pulled and pulled for all he was worth and dragged Honeydew towards the door and out into the rain.
  Lalna recovered and tried to help. "The doll's still up there," he said groggily. "I can hear it moving about."
  Xephos climbed back on to the water butt and watched open-mouthed as the doll bent back the chimney and squeezed it flat.
  With the chimney sealed and completely blocked with potatoes, the stove began to overheat and belch flames into the shed. Once again, Lalna was the first to realize the danger. "GET BACK!" he screamed. "IT'S GOING TO GO UP IN FLAMES!"
  Xephos jumped down and joined Honeydew, well away from the shed.
  "All of you get back!" a voice shouted from behind them. "I'll take over!"
  They looked round and saw Xevphera standing there in her shiny black plastic coat. She was wearing bright-purple wellingtons patterned with black stars.
  "Xevphera . . . you're back!" Xephos cried out in surprise.
  "What are you going to do?" Lalna asked.
At first, Xevphera didn't answer. She moved towards a pipe sticking up from the ground. It had a tap on the end and a length of hosepipe attached and coiled beneath it. "I'm going to give our friend a little blast."
  Xephos watched as Xevphera turned on the tap and aimed a fierce jet of water towards the roof.
  "You'll not put the fire out that way," Honeydew shouted at her, trying to get back on his feet. "You need to aim it inside."
  "I'm not trying to put the fire out," Xevphera retorted, climbing up on to the water butt. "I'm going to wash away the pest on the roof."
  Xephos and Lalna jumped up beside her just in time to see the jet of water strike the doll on the side of the head. It immediately lost its balance, floundered and slipped down the far side of the roof and out of sight.
  Xevphera jumped down, still clinging on to the hosepipe. Xephos and Lalna did the same. They all jumped back as the shed began to go up in flames.
  "Is it dead?" Lalna asked, his voice full of hope.
  "No way!" Xevphera said. "Like I told you, they're getting stronger. Stand behind me!"
  They did as she said and waited, hearts beating faster, to see if the doll reappeared. More flames appeared through the shed window . . . the inside was beginning to turn into an inferno. At the same time, the rain began to ease . . . slowing to a drizzle . . . the light level increasing a little. But no sign of the doll!
    "Where is it?" Lalna asked.
  "Gone back to join the others!" Xephos suggested.
  The clouds parted. The sun came out and dazzled them. Xevphera lowered the water jet and shielded her eyes . . . just as the doll appeared from round the flaming shed and charged straight at her.
  It was so intent on its target that it never saw Honeydew snatch up the old runner-bean net and throw it over its head. For all its strength the doll was rendered completely harmless. It struggled like a fish in a trawler net, biting and clawing at the mesh and screaming like a demented child.
  "Brilliant!" Xephos screamed.
  Xevphera said nothing. She scooped up the net, dragged it towards the burning shed and hurled it inside. She pulled the door closed and stepped back.
  "NO!" Xephos shrieked. "Put out the fire . . . it's Honeydew's special place!"
  The old man sauntered up and put his hand on Xephos' shoulder. "Leave it, son! Let it go! It's already ruined . . . due to that rat, Scullion. Let another piece of him go with it!"
  They stood back and watched as the shed went up like matchwood and burnt to the ground. Within no time at all it was reduced to a pile of smoking rubble, an ominous black lump lying close to where the door had stood.
  Xephos looked up at Honeydew's sad, tear-filled eyes as he surveyed the smouldering remains. The last valuable thing in his life had gone. He grabbed the old man's arm and squeezed it. Lalna did the same with Honeydew's other arm.
  "We'll get rid of Scullion one way or another," Xephos said determinedly.
  Honeydew looked down at them and forced a smile. "The Three Musketeers, lad . . . that's what we are."
  Xevphera walked over and joined them. She squeezed in between them and put her arms around Honeydew's waist. "You mean, the Fabulous Four!" she said. "Count me in!"
  As they stood huddled together, the rain began to pour again. But they chose to remain there, clinging to each other, each of them sensing that together they made a formidable opposition for the evil power that stalked them.
  A barking form nearby brought them back to reality. They all watched in silence as the Alsatian bounded over and nuzzled up against Xevphera's purple wellingtons.
  "That's settled then!" Xevphera said with real determination in her voice. "There's five of us! Scullion, here we come!"
  A siren sounded somewhere in the distance.
  "Are you ok?" a man shouted as he approached them. "I saw the smoke and rang the fire brigade."
  "It's too late. My shed's already gone up," honeydew called back. "But at least we're ok."
  They remained there, still in a group hug, relishing the moment, sensing their combined strength . . . waiting for the fire engine to arrive.

17 - The Devil's Lair
An area of barren wasteland sprawled alongside the railway. Generations of weeds grew up the sides of the crumbling brickwork, hiding the old railway arches from public view.
  One of the arches, more overgrown than the rest, still carried a familiar name stencilled in faded letters across its rusted metal doors.

SAMUEL SCULLION & Co.

Behind the barrier to the outside world, a large featureless room lay filled with stagnant ait, its only occupants - rats - scurrying amongst the decaying wooden crates and other rubbish strewn across the damp stone floor. To the rear of this dark chamber a door space led through into a winding passage. A ghostly high-pitched whispering sound echoed around its walls, coming from the direction of a shimmering light - from the festering office at the far end.
  And in Scullion's former den, lit by a single candle, the two remaining Dawn Demons sat and waited, Scullion presiding over them, his intense evil power shared equally between them.
  The hideous dolls grinned and sneered, one with no hair, the other, Black hair. Both with penetrating red eyes - twins of evil . . . twitching . . . restless . . . eager to strike.
  And in this deepest, darkest place, Scullion's malicious spirit calculated and connived. He knew it would only be a matter of time before old Prior led the little gang of interfering brats into his lair. And his two remaining instruments of evil would be waiting - to kill them . . . to destroy the interfering mortal pests forever!

18 - Honeydew Leads the Way
The sun had shone as the fire brigade doused the smouldering remains of Honeydew's allotment shed. The police had turned up and questioned them (Xevphera and the dog had disappeared), but Honeydew remained disinterested and had not been very helpful. He'd mentioned the fact that he'd been a police officer, referred to one or two older colleagues - but no one knew them. This made Honeydew feel even more disinterested. "Vandals!" was all he kept saying. "You should find them . . . lock them up and throw away the key!"
  The police had made a few notes and promised to look into it.
  "Waste of time!" Honeydew had whispered to Xephos and Lalna. "They'd never believe what really happened!"
  And now they were back at Aunt Kim's, about to tuck into bangers and mash.
  "It's the onion gravy that makes the meal really special," Honeydew muttered. "You can't beat it!"
  Aunt Kim walked in and put their plates in front of them, stacked with creamy mashed potatoes and freshly-fried sausages. "Right! I'll just get the gravy," she said cheerily. "I won't be a minute!"
  Xephos looked at Honeydew and smiled. He took the handcuffs from one of his trouser pockets and the key from the toher. "These are great," he said. "Look . . . I can do it. Hold your wrists out, Lalna."
  Lalna held his wrists above the table and Xephos snapped the handcuffs around them in a matter of seconds.
  "Not bad for a beginner," Honeydew smiled. "You've got to be even quicker than that when it's a real criminal. They might have a gun in their pocket."
    "Wow! I never thought of that," Xephos said.
  "Whatever are you teaching them?" Aunt Kim said, carrying in the gravy boat. "Why are Lalna's wrists clamped? Is he on a diet?"
    Honeydew smiled and Xephos laughed out loud. He unlocked the cuffs and Lalna began tucking into his meal. Aunt Kim went back to the kitchen.
  The old man leant towards Xephos and whispered, "Tonight . . . you and Lalna . . . are you up for it?"
  "Up for what?" Xephos asked quietly.
  "Scullion's place! I know where it is. It's time we paid him a visit and put a stop to this business. If the police won't do it, then we'll see to it ourselves!"
  Xephos felt a nervous flutter in his stomach. Suddenly, the sausages and mashed potatoes didn't seem quite so appetizing.
  Xephos whispered Honeydew's intentions to Lalna and asked him if he was up for it too. Lalna looked even more nervous. "I suppose so!" he replied. "Do you think Xevphera will turn up?"
  Xephos smiled to himself. It seemed he wasn't the only one who felt safer when she was around. "I hope so!" he whispered. He turned back to Honeydew. "We're up for it! What time?"
  "During the early hours . . . before dawn. I'll give you a knock. I never sleep much anyway."
  Xephos smiled to himself again. He thought back to the loud snoring that they'd heard coming from the old man's room. "Ok, we'll be waiting. If we're asleep, just wake us up." But Xephos knew that there was no chance of either he or Lalna getting much sleep - things were getting much too exciting.
  Aunt Kim walked in with a large pot of tea and placed it on the table. "Your mum's been on the phone, Xephos. She wants you to give her a ring. She sounded a bit anxious. I told her you were fine, but Minty always was a worrier."
  Xephos and Lalna looked at each toher and frowned.

While Aunt Kim, Honeydew and Lalna watched TV, Xephos phoned his mum. She answered the phone straight away - as if she'd been waiting. "Xephos! Are you ok?"
  Xephos paused. "yes . . . why wouldn't I be?"
  "Because something's going on! I can sense it!"
  "It's Aunt Kim's lodger - Honeydew. His allotment shed's been burnt down by vandals!"
  "It's more than that, Xephos . . . Don't lie to me! I've been having strange dreams again. Terrible nightmares - some sort of dolls . . . horrible things! And I know that you're tied up in all this . . ."
  Xephos swallowed hard. He hated lying. But he wanted Mum and Aunt Kim well out of the way. "Don't know what you're on about, Mum. Everything's fine. In fact, we've made friends with Honeydew - he's taking us out." 'Well at least that bits true', Xephos thought to himself.
  There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Xephos could almost see Minty taking a long puff on her cigarette. "Are you sure, Xephos? You would tell me, wouldn't you?"
  "Sure, Mum."
  "I'll ring again tomorrow night."
  "Ok, Mum - and stop worrying! Is Lomadia ok?"
  "Yes, she's fine. But it's not her I'm worrying about. How's Lalna getting on?"
  Xephos heard Lalna laugh loudly from in the sitting room. Whatever he was watching on TV, it sounded really funny. "He's fine, Mum. He's really enjoying it here. he loves Aunt Kim's meals."
  Xephos' mum sounded more relaxed. "Who wouldn't? Kim's a great cook. Give her my love and tell her I'll speak to her tomorrow evening. Now promise me that you'll take good care!"
  "Promise, Mum."
  "Bye then."
  "Bye Mum . . . love you!"
  "You too!"
  Xephos put the phone down and felt a lump in his throat. He hated not telling the truth, even when he knew it was for the best.
  He walked back into the front room and sat next to Lalna on the sofa. He took the handcuffs from his pocket and began playing with them. But Lalna got tired of having his wrists clamped, so Xephos sat on the rug and practiced on Lalna's ankles. Honeydew gave him a sly glance from his armchair. Xephos looked at the clock on the mantelpiece: 9:30.
  It wouldn't be too long before they were on their way to find Scullion's hiding place. Xephos felt worried and excited at the same time. If Xevphera and the dog turned up there would be five of them - brilliant! But what would be waiting when they got there?

*------*------*

Later, in bed, he and Lalna went over everything that had happened again and again. They compared notes, compared ideas and even compared each other's feelings about the whole situation.
  They finished up by admitting that they were both putting on a brave front. They were both extremely anxious about what the next twenty-four hours might hold for them.
  But opening up and talking to each other was good - it made Xephos feel a little more relaxed. Amazingly, he managed to fall asleep.
  it was something during the early hours when he awoke to a sound from just outside the bedroom door.
  Lalna slept by his side, blissfully unaware.
  Xephos gripped the edge of the duvet and peered towards the door. He jumped at the sight of the soulful eyes staring in at him.
  "Come on!" a familiar voice said in gruff tones. "Don't make a noise. Kim's asleep."
  Xephos woke Lalna and the two of them slipped out of bed. They dressed silently while the old man waited patiently out on the landing. A few minutes later, Honeydew was leading them down the stairs with a powerful torch.
  "The girl's waiting out in the street," the old man whispered. "I spotted her through my window. She's got the dog with her."
  "Brilliant!" Xephos whispered back. Knowing Xevphera was outside made him feel so much better. He suspected Lalna felt the same.
  A few seconds later, they were out in the street, greeting Xevphera and the Alsatian. The night was clear and a full moon shone down form the starlit sky. But an ominous line of black clouds loomed on the horizon.
  "I'll lead the way," Honeydew commanded. He switched off the torch and put it in his pocket. "Just keep your voiced down and follow me . . . I know exactly where to go."
  "So do I!" Xevphera chipped in. "And it's my guess that they know we're on our way."
  "Who does?" Lalna asked nervously.
  "Scullion . . . and the dolls," Xevphera replied calmly. "They'll be waiting."
  Xephos felt his stomach tighten. "How do you know?"
"Because she's a little mermaid and she knows everything!" Lalna teased.
  "Exactly!" Xevphera giggled. "You're learning!"
  Honeydew moved forward and muttered over his shoulder. "This is not the time for joking! Now keep quiet . . . and keep up."
  "Ok, but keep the dog close - he'll spot danger before any of us," Xevphera said. She slid a length of roper around the dogs neck - it looked like an old skipping rope. The dog panted enthusiastically.
  They moved off along the street.
  There were lots of parked cars, otherwise Yogcave Terrace was completely deserted. But as they approached the end of the street, there was a definite movement around the corner. The dog growled.
  "Get behind me!" Honeydew whispered. "I'll go first."
  They edged along the private hedge, Honeydew at the front, Xevphera next, Xephos and Lalna taking up the rear.
  As they turned into OilTown Street, a tall figure staggered out in front of them. It was a scruffily-dressed man. He reeked of alcohol. "Got any money?" He glowered at them.
  "He's drunk," Honeydew declared. "Just ignore him and keep going!"
  They sped on, the man shouting angrily after them, his curses ringing through the cold night air. The dog looked back and snarled.
  "I hope we don't meet any more like him," Lalna said. "He's definitely out of it."
  Xevphera smirked. "He's the least of our problems."
  A short while later, Honeydew led them down the promenade. Everywhere seemed ghostly, bathed in shadows and completely devoid of people. The sea crashed on to the beach below, sounding ten times louder than during the day. Xephos wondered if Uncle Ridge was out there, his kindly spirit hovering over the inky-black waves.
  The old man finally turned away from the seafront and led them away into an area unknown to Xephos and Lalna. Everywhere seemed run-down. The streets were narrower, darker and strewn with litter. Sounds of barking dogs and loud voices echoed from hidden alleyways and boarded-up houses.
  "This is getting seriously scary," Lalna stammered.
  "It gets worse," Xevphera said.
  "How much further?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew stared back at them. His big eyes somehow looked bigger at night. "About five minutes - if we take the shortcut and nip down the snicket."
    "What's a snicket?" Lalna asked.
  "It's just a narrow passage between houses," Honeydew replied.
  "Ok . . . let's go for it!" Xephos said.
  Xevphera stopped. Her eyes sparkled under the streetlight. "I think I know where he means. It's not a nice shortcut."
  "Why?" Xephos and Lalna whispered together.
  "it's really dark and people hang out there . . . not very nice people!"
  "It's called 'dead man's lane'," Honeydew said in his low gruff voice, "We'll be fine - we'll just need to be on our guard."
  "It can't be any more dangerous than where we're heading," Xephos said.
  "That's true," Xevphera replied. "Come on! Keep moving!"
  They crept on, stopping at every corner and constantly looked over their shoulder. The occasional car drove past . . . nothing unusual.
  All the time, the Alsatian pulled at his rope, leading Honeydew on. But the dog suddenly stopped and the hackles on the back of his neck stood on end.
  "Right, this is it," Honeydew said. He crouched low and peered around the corner. Xephos and Lalna stared ahead.
  A long narrow passage led off between the backs of two rows of houses. It was dimly lit and curved away into the distance - a perfect place for someone to wait in ambush!
    "Blimey!" Lalna muttered. "Do we really have to go down there?"
  "'Fraid so!" Xevphera replied, without a trace of nervousness in her voice.
  "I'll stay at the front," Honeydew said. "Xephos, you take up the rear."
  The dog gave a little whine and moved on - but this time much more slowly. Like mice being stalked by a cat, they set off down Dead Man's Lane, listening intently, wondering if anyone or anything might be waiting ahead of them.
  The dog stopped suddenly and began to growl. They all stopped dead in their tracks and peered forward.
  "Look, there's the end of the lane," Xevphera said in a low voice. "The Arches are just beyond, on the other side of that waste ground."
  As Xephos and Lalna looked to where she was pointing, two figures stood out in the distance. They faced each other, leaning against the high wall, blocking the exit to the lane. Even from far off, it was easy to make out the outline of the baseball cap!
  "It's the Red Cap Gang, isn't it?" Lalna stated rather than asked.
  Xevphera knelt down and peered forward. "Yes, the gang you ran into the other day. They're bad news!"
  "So what do we do?" Lalna asked nervously.
  "We shift them!" Honeydew said, crouching down. "Leave it to me!"
  They watched as the old man took a mobile from his coat pocket and pushed the buttons. After a short pause, he whispered quickly into the phone.
  "Hi, it's Prior here . . . ex-detective Inspector Prior . . . the man you couldn't remember back on my allotment when my shed burnt down. Yes, that's me! Well, I've got something interesting for you. Two youths . . . drug dealing . . . end of Dead Man's lane. They're there now . . . you'll catch them red-handed if you're quick."
  A smile spread across the old man's wrinkled features. "Ok, i'll wait. Hurry up or they'll be gone."
  Honeydew smiled again and put his phone back in his pocket. "Now we wait!"
  They all crouched in the shadows of the narrow lane and waited.
  Sure enough, within five minutes a blue flashing light appeared on the scene. A scuffle broke out at the end of the lane as the two figures wearing baseball caps wrestling with three more figures.
  "Got them!" Honeydew muttered loudly.
  "Brilliant!" Xephos said.
  "Not quite!" Xevphera pointed out. "Look, that bigger guy is getting away."
  They watched with baited breath as the bigger of the two baseball-capped figures broke away and began sprinting up the dark passage - straight towards them.
  The Alsatian jumped to his feet and began barking savagely.
  They all tensed as the boy's shadow stopped about twenty yards away. With the police haring after him, the youth had no choice but to carry on towards them.
  They watched in awe as he withdrew something ominous from one of his pockets - it was easy to make out what it was!
  "Oh my God," Lalna cried. "He's got a knife!"

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13 - Ghostly Warnings
The two boys sneaked in the back door and Xephos made sure he dropped the latch on the lock! They crept upstairs and hoped they hadn't been missed. The sound of gentle snoring from Aunt Kim's room, and loud snoring from old Honeydew next door, reassured them that they hadn't.
  Five minutes later they were back in bed, Lalna whispered fervently, going over and over the recent events. Xephos hardly heard a word, he was so tired. What a weird night! Or was it morning? He craved sleep.
  However, as usual, Lalna was asleep before him, breathing deeply by his side. And just as Xephos' own eyes began to close, something disturbed him. It was a sound from downstairs. He strained his ears. There it was again . . . footsteps . . . definitely footsteps. Someone was moving about down below.
  He crept out of bed and moved toward the landing. He was tempted to wake Lalna, but decided against it. Perhaps Honeydew had got out of bed and was wandering about. But no! Xephos could still hear the old man snoring from his bedroom.
  Taking one step at a time and treading lightly, Xephos made his way down the stairs. He stood at the bottom and listened, hoping that the sound would go away. But it didn't! He heard footsteps again . . . but more distant not . . . from the kitchen.
  He picked up the poker from the side of the fire and raised it to his shoulder. With his heart beating ever faster, he peered around the kitchen door and prepared for the worst.
  There was no one there!
  He sighed with relief. And then heard more footsteps . . . from the other side of the cellar door . . . which was open!
  Something was definitely moving down the stone steps leading to the cellar. Xephos crept towards the open door, but decided that no way was he going down there. With his heart in his mouth, he peered down the steps. All was in darkness. But to his horror, he was able to make out the outline of a tall figure standing at the bottom of the steps.
  "Come on down, Xephos," a gentle voice called up to him. "I'm not going to hurt you." There was a real warmth in the voice.
  "Can I put the light on?"
  "Course you can, lad. Come on down. I want a word."
  Xephos flicked the light switch on and stared down the steps. The figure was gone! This was getting frustrating!
  "Are you still down there?" Xephos called as loudly as he dared. He didn't want to disturb anyone else in the house.
  "Still here, Xephos. I'm resting my legs around the corner. You needn.t be afraid. Come on down . . . I promise I won't bite."
    Despite his instincts telling him that the figure was friendly, Xephos raised his weapon again - just to be on the safe side - and started down the steps. As he neared the bottom, a strong smell of seaweed filled his nostrils.
  This is getting weirder and weirder, Xephos thought to himself.
  He raised his weapon higher, took a deep breath and darted around the corner into the main cellar.
  "I wonder what your Aunt Kim would say if she saw you with her poker," the seaman laughed - at least he looked like a seaman.
  Xephos stared in awe at the figure seated in front of him. The man wore a yellow oilskin coat over black trousers and big Wellington boots.
  "Come and sit by me, Xephos," the man said kindly. He pulled up a wooden box and gestured Xephos to sit on it.
  "Who are you?" Xephos asked, starting to relax a little.
  "Your Uncle Ridge."
  Xephos sat down and looked into the man's face. His eyes were blue - as blue as any ocean Xephos had even seen. What with his curly chestnut hair, bronzed skin and flashing white teeth, he reminded Xephos of a handsome pirate . . . a film star. "Well, you do look like the photographs - but you're dead!" Xephos said. And then he thought better of it, "Sorry! I didn't mean to sound . . ."
  The man laughed and clapped his hands together. "Don't apologise, lad. You're right - I'm as dead as a doormail!"
  Xephos looked into the kind face again. It was definitely Uncle Ridge! "So you must be a ghost!"
  "Aye . . . like the girl you and your pal hang around with."
  "Xevphera?"
  "Aye, that's right. Xevphera Purpleblade. She's the reason I'm here."
  Xephos tensed. He sensed there was some bad news on the way. Uncle Ridge leant forward and placed his big hands on his knees. "Xevphera means well. She's a heart of gold . . . like you lad!"
  Xephos felt the colour rush into his cheeks. "So what's the problem?"
  Uncle Ridge leant even closer and the smell of seaweed made Xephos feel nauseous. "The problem is that she'll stop at nothing until all them sailor dolls are done for and Scullion is back where he belongs . . ."
  Xephos fidgeted nervously on his box. "Where does he belong?"
  The expression on Uncle Ridge's face turned serious. He looked above Xephos' head and stared into space. "With the Devil, son!" He looked at Xephos again. "I was his greed that drove Xevphera and her mother to finish up the way they did - but I think you already know that . . . just like you know all about those sailor dolls."
  Xephos nodded. "You mean the Dawn Demons?"
  "Is that what you call 'em?"
  Xephos nodded. "Xevphera told us . . . it's what she calls them."
  "Well, as I was saying, that young lass will stop at nothing until they're all done for. Even if it means putting you at risk . . . and that pal of yours."
  "But we like Xevphera!" Xephos said defensively. "She wouldn't do anything to hurt us."
  Uncle Ridge frowned and stared hard into Xephos' eyes. "No, I know that. But Scullion won't stop until he's bought this town to its knees. That's his plan, you see, and you've interfered. Xevphera's got you and your mate involved."
  "And we're winning!" Xephos beamed.
  "Six down and four to go, eh?" Uncle Ridge smiled, but still with a stern look in his eyes. "And you know that every time you get rid of one, the others get stronger?"
  Xephos nodded. Uncle Ridge seemed to know everything. "Yes, Xevphera told us. And she knows where they all are."
  "And no doubt the three of you are going to hunt them down and finish them off and put paid to Scullion's plans forever!"
  "That's the idea!" Xephos said proudly, but with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
  Uncle Ridge smiled kindly again. "Look, Xephos. That's why I'm here - to warn you. Scullion knows you're on to him and that you mean business. Those dolls of his - 'Dawn Demons' or whatever you want to call them - they're not going to sit tight and wait for you and your mates to find them."
  Xephos' voice trembled a little more. "What do you mean?"
  "Scullion will have them strike you first, so you'd better be on your guard, lad. Xevphera may be a gutsy lass - she's a strong spirit - but she's no match for Scullion. He's the Devil's own!"
  Xephos felt the familiar butterflies fluttering in his stomach. The seaman was right. They'd already suffered one unprovoked attack on the ghost train. He looked into Uncle Ridge's face again and decided it was the most caring face he'd ever seen.
  "What's it like to be dead?" Xephos suddenly asked.
  "Sometimes it's better than being alive, son . . . but I miss your Aunt Kim - and especially her homemade steak and mushroom pies." Xephos' uncle laughed. "I don't suppose you saved me any?"
  Xephos smiled and wished his uncle had survived that horrible storm. He would have been the best uncle ever.
  "Ive got to go, son," Uncle Ridge said, climbing to his feet. "Now, remember what I said. Be on your guard day and night. And don't rely too much on Xevphera. You need to take charge now, Xephos. You're a special lad . . . they don't come much cleverer than you!"
  Xephos nodded solemnly.
  "And one final thing," the sailor said, rising to his feet, "Always remember the old saying: 'Red sky at night . . . shepards' delight. Red sky dawning . . . sailor's warning'."
  Xephos looked puzzled. "But what does that mean, exactly?"
  A familiar voice cut him off. It sounded from the top of the cellar steps. "Is that you, Xephos?"
  Xephos ran to the bottom of the cellar steps and looked up. Aunt Kim was standing there in her dressing gown and slippers.
  "Whatever are you doing down there at this hour?" she whispered.
  Xephos wasn't even sure what hour it was. "Sorry! But you'll never believe who I'm talking to. Come and have a look!" His heart raced with excitement at the thought of Aunt Kim seeing Uncle Ridge again.
  Aunt Kim frowned and walked quickly down the steps to join him. He led her around the corner and pointed towards the two upturned boxes . . . nobody there!
  Xephos dragged Aunt Kim over to where he and his uncle had sat. "He was here, Aunt Kim. I promise you. It was Uncle -"
  "That's enough, young man!" Aunt Kim interrupted. "You've been dreaming again sleepwalking - and it's time you were back in bed. It's almost time to get up!"
  It was obvious to Xephos that Aunt Kim didn't want to hear any more.
  As they turned to leave, he noticed a small puddle of slimy green water where Uncle Ridge's boots had been rested on the floor. He also noticed the faint smell of seaweed still hanging in the air.
  But most of all, he noticed a tear in Aunt Kim's eye as she took his arm and led him away back to bed.

14 - Surprise Attack
The next morning, while they were getting dressed, Xephos told Lalna about his early-morning encounter in the cellar. During breakfast, they continued their conversation in low whispers to avoid Honeydew hearing them. The old man slurped his cereal and eyed them with suspicion.
  "It's rude to whisper!" Aunt Kim said, bustling in with a plate of toast. "What are you two planning to do today?"
  "Not sure yet," Xephos said. "We're just discussing it."
  "Well, you could do a bit of shopping for me. I'm out of shampoo and loo paper and I could do with a few other things."
  Xephos nodded in Lalna's direction. Lalna nodded back.
  "Ok. We'll have a look around the shops this morning and maybe have a walk on the beach this afternoon."
  "It's alright for some!" Honeydew muttered, loud enough for them to hear. "I've got work to do."
  Aunt Kim collected his empty cereal bowl and scoffed at him. "And you love every minute of it down on that allotment. So don't be an old moaner!"
  Honeydew pretended not to hear and reached for a piece of toast. Xephos and Lalna did the same.
  "What's an allotment?" Xephos whispered.
  "It's a kind of garden where old people grow potatoes and stuff," Lalna answered.
  "Not just old people and not just potatoes," Honeydew muttered. "You should come up and have a look. You could even make yourself useful and give me a hand for an hour. It might toughen you up a bit."
  Xephos always liked to make himself useful. "Where is it?" he asked.
  "Five minutes away . . . other end of Mistral Street."
  Xephos looked at Lalna. He was chewing a mouthful of toast. "We could go up tis afternoon instead of going on the beach." Lalna nodded. "We'll come and find you this afternoon then," Xephos said, smiling at the old man.
  "I'll believe it when I see it," Honeydew said, getting up to leave the table.
  Aunt Kim came in from the kitchen again. "I've made you a list. There's not much. And before I forget, would you both give your mums a ring, just to let them know you're fine."
  "Ok!" Xephos and Lalna replied at the same time.

An hour later, the two boys were walking up the high street. Unlike the rest of the town, the main shopping precinct looked quite new and fresh. The shop windows were filled with brightly-coloured posters and attractive displays, and everywhere seemed busy.
  "Fancy a look in here?" Lalna asked, peering into a window full of computer games and DVD's. Xephos nodded.
  A few minutes later, they were back in the street. Lalna beamed at Xephos, delighted with his new purchase, a computer game called Zomble Warriors!
  "It's a pity Aunt Kim's not got a PC," Xephos sighed.
  "No big deal!" Lalna replied cheerily. "It'll wait till we get home."
  He took the game out of the bag and examined the bright packaging, before passing it to Xephos.
  Xephos looked at it admiringly. "Brilliant!"
  Before either of them had time to say anything else, Xephos felt a hard knock on the back of his left knee. He turned and looked down as a small hooded figure reached up and snatched the computer game from his hand.
  "Hey!" he screamed instinctively.
  But the figure had already hared off up the busy street and disappeared among the shoppers.
  "Get after him!" Lalna yelled.
  Xephos had already set off in chase, weaving his way through the shoppers, desperate to catch sight of the small hooded thief. "I CAN SEE HIM!" Xephos yelled back to Lalna. "He's gone round that corner!"
  Lalna managed to catch Xephos up and a moment later they found themselves running up a narrow passageway between two stores. "THERE HE GOES!" Lalna shouted.
  They raced on through a network of narrow alleyways between the backs of the shops, the small hooded figure just managing to keep ahead of them. The final passage opened out on tot he square area of waste ground enclosed by high walls. They were just in time to see the thief disappear behind a large waste skip. An abandoned pram stood in front of it.
  There was no one around and the enclosed area suddenly seemed very lonely. Xephos began to feel threatened and vulnerable. They moved on towards the pram.
    "Stop!" Xephos said sternly, pulling at Lalna's arm.
  "What's wrong?"
  "I don't like it!"
  "Like what?"
  Xephos stared nervously ahead.
  The pram . . . the waste skip full of rubbish . . . several abandoned supermarket trolleys . . . high brick walls covered in graffiti . . . old cans, chip cartons and other little scattered on the ground - the scene made him feel uncomfortable. "There's something not right! You stay here and watch my back."
"Blimey! This is like one of those films you see on TV," Lalna joked. But Xephos sensed that his friend was putting on an act. Lalna was really just as scared as he was.
  Xephos walked towards the abandoned pram and an eerie silence descended over everything. To make matters worse, the sky grew darker as black clouds gathered overhead. It began to spit with rain.
  Xephos reached the old pram, grabbed the chrome handle, and tipped it toward him so he could see inside. The sight of the back of the baby's head almost caused his heart to stop.
  "What's wrong?" Lalna shouted nervously.
  There's a baby inside!"
  "I can't believe it," Lalna shouted.
    Xephos leant closer and peered in at the baby's head. It was almost hidden under the blankets. And then, all at one, it stirred and turned to face him. Xephos shrieked in terror as the evil face glared up at him.
  "ITS ONE OF THEM!" Xephos yelled.
  As he jumped back, the doll thrust out its clawing hands and grabbed hold of his hair. He stumbled backwards and fell flat on his back, the doll still clinging to his head and sitting astride his neck.
  Lalna ran to his rescue, but stopped in his tracks as the small figure in the black duffle coat appeared on top of the rubbish skip. It dropped its hood and started laughing hysterically - high-pitched devilish laughter!
  "We've been tricked!" Lalna gasped.
  But Xephos had too much on his mind to take any notice. The doll knelt on is chest, its painted wooden hands squeezing his neck with incredible strength.
  As the second doll leapt down from the rubbish skip and hurled itself at Lalna, Xephos coughed and choked and struggled for breath. He pushed and pushed at the hideous little face, but it wouldn't budge . . . it just kept on squeezing. It was only as he stretched his left arm out that he felt the brick by his side. He grasped it and smashed it into the doll's face. The brick was heavy; it knocked the doll off his chest like a bowling ball toppling a skittle.
  Meanwhile, the second Dawn Demon hurled itself at Lalna and latched on to his knee, clawing and biting at his leg. Lalna screamed and punched its hard wooden head.
  At the same time, the first doll sprang back to its feet and faced Xephos, ready to resume its attack . . . until a metallic ringing sound distracted it.
  They all swung round as the girl charged forward, pushing the supermarket trolley. It bumped, clanged and gathered momentum, on course for the doll standing at Xephos' feet.
  Xephos' attacker stood frozen, unsure what to do . . . until it was too late!

  The trolley rolled over the doll and knocked it to the floor, entangling it between the wheels and the trolled bottom. Xephos needed no telling what to do. He jumped to his feet and leapt into the trolley, his added weight helping pin the doll to the ground.
  Meanwhile, the second doll detached itself from Lalna's leg, pulled up its hood and charged back towards the rubbish skip, disappearing around the back of it.
  While the doll squirmed beneath the trolley, Xevphera picked up the brick that Xephos had thrown earlier.   "Ok, Xephos, when I count to three, jump out," Xevphera said, raising the brick ready to strike.
  Xephos did as she said. On the count of three, he leapt out of the trolley and the doll tried to free itself. But Xevphera was far too quick. She brought the brick down on to the doll's head, splitting it in two.
  Xephos fell back into a sitting position on the hard ground. His neck really hurt. He stared at the smashed doll lying close to his feet and saw that parts of it were still twitching. "Scullion's still trying to control it," he croaked.
  Xevphera picked up the brick. She brought it down on the prostrate doll again and again, smashing it to pieces, "It's not moving now!" she said triumphantly.
  As Lalna tended to his wounds, Xephos stared up at Xevphera as she towered over her victim, an expression of grim determination written all over her face.
  Uncle Ridge had been exactly right. Xevphera was determined to beat Scullion and his vile army - and Xephos was part of the battle, and Lalna too. But this time the Dawn Demons had been one step ahead of them and had tricked them, and Xevphera had only just managed to save them.
  What about next time?
    He and Lalna would need all their senses to be on full alert. Xevphera might not always be there.
  She came over, held out her hand and pulled him up with amazing strength.
  "Another one done for," she said proudly. "Seven down and three to go."
  Xephos watched as Lalna climbed to his feet and walked over towards the rubbish skip. He picked up the computer game lying abandoned on the floor. He tried to dust it down and began fiddling with it. Xephos saw the look of disappear on his face. "Oh well, I suppose three's not too many . . ." he said, trying to sound encouraging.
  But in his head, Xephos was thinking that three dolls were still a lot of dolls - and his aching neck only confirmed what Xevphera had said from the beginning: the Dawn Demons were getting stronger all the time!

15 - Detective Inspector Prior
Aunt Kim's shopping had finally been remembered and dropped off at the house. And now the rain began to fall in torrents as Xevphera ran on towards Mistral Street, with Xephos and Lalna trying desperately to keep up.
  'Blimey . . . are we nearly there?" Lalna gasped.
  "He said the allotments were only five minutes away," Xephos replied, his throat still feeling sore from the doll attack.
  Xevphera stopped and called back to them. "Nearly there . . . Keep up - you'll get soaked."
  The raindrops turned to silver rods and pummelled into the pavement. 2We can't get any wetter!" Xephos cried through the watery veil. "How about you?"
  "I'm soaked to the skin," Xevphera yelled in a cheery voice, "but I love it! I'm a mermaid, remember?"
  Lalna looked across to Xephos and shrugged his shoulders.
  A few minutes later, which seemed like an eternity, they reached a fence made up from corrugated sheeting. The sheets were covered in graffiti and one of the tags brought a sharp reaction from Lalna and Xephos.
  "Look! The wheely bin with the eyes peeping out! The Dawn Demons have been here," Lalna said.
  "They've been here all right," Xevphera sighed. "The gate's smashed in."
  Xephos looked from the brightly-daubed image to the wooden door in the fence. It was hanging off its hinges and had a hole punched through the middle.
  Xevphera shoved the door to one side and entered the allotments. "I don't know where the old man hangs out," Xevphera said. "We'll have to take a look. He shouldn't be hard to find . . . if he's still here!"
  "Let's hope he's ok," Xephos said. "I can see a shed with smoke coming out of a chimney. It could be him sheltering inside."
  "I hope so," Lalna sighed. "I've had enough of this! I'm soaked!"
  "Look! Some of the plants have been pulled up," Xevphera said. "Dawn Demons again!"
  Xephos glanced around the rectangular garden plots. Even through the rain it was easy to spot the rows of winter vegetables pulled up and strewn across the ground.
  "I hope old Honeydew's safe!" Xephos repeated.
  A nervous look spread across Lalna's face. "Do you think those devil dolls could still be around?"
  Xevphera shook her head. "I don't think so. It all looks quiet to me. And it's raining too hard - even for the Dawn Demons!" She headed back towards the wrecked gate.
  Xephos and Lalna glanced at each other. "Where are you going?" they asked together.
  Xevphera grinned. "Back to the bottom of the sea . . . where nobody worries about getting wet. Catch you alter!"
    And she was gone.
  "That girl can be so frustrating," Lalna fumed.
  'And so useful', Xephos thought to himself. He felt much more vulnerable when she wasn't around. "Let's check out that hut!"
  They ran on through a patchwork of garden plots heading towards a shed with a crooked metal chimney, a thin column of smoke rising form it. Xephos knocked on the door and hoped that it would open to reveal a familiar face.
  "GO AWAY!" a gruff voice boomed form inside.
  Xephos looked at Lalna. The rain dripped off their hair and ran down their necks. "It's us - Xephos and Lalna! We said we'd meet you here!" Xephos shouted back.
  There was a pause . . . a silence . . . just the sound of the rain driving into the ground . . . followed by footsteps from inside the shed . . . cautious footsteps.
  The door opened a little and a familiar face peered round at them. "Good grief! I didn't expect you two to show up in this lot!"
    Never had Xephos been so pleased to see Honeydew. He could already feel the warmth and dryness from the other side of the door. By the look on Lalna's face, he felt exactly the same.
  "Don't just stand there! Come on in!" the old man ordered them. As soon as they were inside, he glanced outside, shut the door and locked it.
  Meanwhile, the two boys gazed around their warm refuge.
    An old stove stood in the corner. It had a small glass door, which was open. The bright-yellow flames presented a cheerful contrast to the foul weather outside. A small rug and an old armchair stood in front of it. A little table, a rickety old dining chair and a shabby chest of drawers were the only other items of furniture.
  But it was the walls of the shed that commanded most of Xephos and Lalna's attention. They were covered in photographs and pictures, hardly a square inch of wood showing through them.
  "Wow! Get a load of this!" Xephos gasped.
  "That's some collection! There's more pictures here than we saw at the lifeboat station," Lalna pointed out.
  "Don't stand there dripping!" Honeydew mumbled at them. "Get those coats off and I'll hang them by the stove. Did you see anything out there?"
  "We saw the graffiti and the smashed gate," Xephos said.
  "And some vegetables pulled up," Lalna added.
  "Winter cabbage and sprouts!" Honeydew frowned.
  They handed him their wet coats and the old man took them without speaking. Xephos and Lalna looked closely at the photographs.
  "They're all policemen," Lalna said.
  Xephos looked from one photograph to another. Lalna was right - lots of policemen, all standing in lines and looking serious. Some of the photographs looked much older than others . . . faded and yellow . . . heir corners curling up.
  "Cheat police and District Constabulary," Honeydew muttered from over by the stove. "There are some more recent ones on that other wall."
  The two boys walked over to where Honeydew was pointing, and looked at the pictures. One of them showed a man in a smart suit, standing on his own.
  "This is you!" Xephos said in an excited voice.
  Lalna stood by him and scanned the photo eagerly. "And these others . . . they're you as well - when you were younger."
  The old man sauntered over. "You mean when I had more hair!"
  Lalna clanked at Xephos. Xephos smiled back at him. They went on studying the photographs.
  "Wow! You were a detective inspector!" Lalna said admiringly.
  "I was . . . for ten years," Honeydew said, cheering up a little.
  "Detective Inspector Prior," Xephos said. "Sounds brilliant!"
  The old man's eyes sparkled. "Come and sit on the rug - warm yourselves. There's something I want to show you."
  They did as Honeydew said and sat in front of the stove. The rain drummed rhythmically on the shed window and reminded them of the foul weather outside. They watched as the old man rummaged through a drawer and took out a pair of handcuffs.
  "Wow! Are those handcuffs real?" Xephos asked.
  "Course they're real!" Honeydew replied. "And still as good as new. You can look at them if you like."
  He threw them across the room. Xephos caught them and stared at them admiringly. The metal glistening. "Did you use these on real criminals?" he asked.
  Honeydew looked disinterested. He was still rummaging through the drawer. "Yes, lots of times. You can borrow them for a few days if you like. You'd better have the key." He passed the small key across to Xephos "Don't lose it!"
  "Wow . . . lucky!" Lalna said enviously.
  Xephos put the key in his pocket and began playing with the handcuffs. They were so shiny. "Brilliant!"
  Honeydew seemed to find what he was looking for. He walked over, sat in the armchair and passed some more photographs to Lalna and Xephos. "Put those handcuffs away and take a look at these," he said, his expression very serious.
  Xephos looked at the top photograph. It showed a man's head and shoulders and a number written across the bottom. "He looks mean!"
  "Really mean!" Lalna added. "These photos are all of the same man, aren't they?"
  Honeydew nodded. "That's Scullion - the man I told you about. A nasty piece of work!"
  Xephos glanced over Lalna's shoulder. "What's the number written at the bottom?"
  "His prison number," Honeydew replied.
  "So you got him in the end," Lalna stated, rather than asked.
  The old man nodded solemnly. He got up from his chair and put some more wood on the stove. "Yes - eventually! He was a thief, a smuggler and a loan shark."
  "What's a loan shark?" Xephos asked.
  "Someone who loans you money and then charges you twice as much when you have to pay it back," Honeydew said.
  "And then they get nasty when you can't afford it," Lalna added.
  Honeydew nodded. "That's right. And Scullion was really nasty. He preyed on the weak - made their lives miserable . . . like Xevphera's mum."
  "So why did people put up with him?" Xephos asked.
  "There were lots of desperate people in those days, and more than enough witnesses. But nobody dare speak up - the whole town was scared of him. But as you say, we got him in the end. He got twenty years. I was the arresting officer. We picked him up on the night of the storm - when your uncle got killed. He sad he was innocent, of course, that he knew nothing about the drugs and other goods stashed on-board."
  Xephos studied Scullions photograph. His face was scary to say the least - scary and pointed with evil red eyes. His mouth was the worst - thin, snake like lips set into a scowl; crooked teeth, pointed and sharp. "So how come you managed to lock him up?"
  The old man stared at the stove and gazed at the lively yellow flames. "I finally persuaded folk to speak out . . . to give evidence. I told them the town would be a safer place without him."
  "And was it?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew turned towards Xephos and looked at him with big soulful eyes. "It was . . . until he escaped."
  "Wow! How did he do that?" Xephos and Lalna asked together.
  Honeydew hesitated . . . put his hands on his knees. "He died . . ."
  The wood on the fire suddenly hissed and spat, the flames danced more brightly, and an eerie silence fell over the shed.
  The old man finally continued. "He died in prison not long ago . . . that's when the trouble started - the acts of vandalism, my house burning down."
Lalna gawped at Xephos. Xephos gawped back.
  "So you know about Scullion's spirit . . . ghost . . . or whatever you want to call it?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew nodded. "And I know about the sailor dolls and the young lass."
  "Xevphera?" Lalna asked. "You know about Xevphera?"
  "I know more than you think, lad," Honeydew frowned, still nodding his head. "Don't forget I was a policeman for most of my life."
    "A detective inspector . . ." Xephos added.
  Honeydew went back to the chest of drawers and took out a notebook. It looked old and well worn with all the corners dog-eared. "I've been keeping a record of everything. I've even stayed up all night and watched out for those doll creatures."
  "Dawn Demons," Xephos said. "That's what Xevphera calls them."
  "And did you ever see them?" Lalna asked.
  Honeydew tapped his notebook. "It's all in here, lad. I've seen them more than once."
  "So why didn't you tell the police?" Xephos asked. "Surely they would have believed you - an ex-detective inspector."
  "And your house being burnt down - that's really serious," Lalna pointed out. "You could have been killed."
  "It's called 'arson', son. And you're right - it is a really serious crime. But do you think anyone in their right mind would have believed me when I told them I was a victim of a gang of sailor dolls . . . controlled by a dead man?"
  "Suppose not!" Xephos agreed.
  "The ravings of an old man - that's what they would have said. I would have agreed with them when I was younger."
  A gust of wind rattled the window. Xephos moved closer to the store. "It's really cosy and warm in here," he said.
  Honeydew sat back in his armchair, Xephos and Lalna by his feet. "This is my second home. I love it here," the old man sighed. "Now they've even spoilt that. Nowhere safe with those . . . Dawn whatsits around. Scullion won't rest till the town's as dead as he is - and me as well! I still remember the day he was sent down . . . shouting and screaming. He swore he'd get his revenge on the townsfolk for putting him behind bars."
This was it! The missing piece of the jigsaw! Lalna had guessed that Honeydew would know Scullion's motives for all the trouble - and he'd been right!
  Xephos looked back to Honeydew and felt sorry for him. No wonder the old man had seemed miserable and grumpy. Scullion and his Devil Army were making life impossible for him. "We'll try and help you," Xephos said enthusiastically.
  Lalna nodded. "We'll do everything we can."
  Honeydew turned his head towards them and managed a feeble smile.
  A sudden thumping sound from the roof caused them all to look upwards.
  "God . . . what was that?" Lalna stammered.
  The old man almost jumped out of his chair. He made his way over to the window and peered out - the raindrops were still streaming down the glass.
  "Can . . . can you see anything?" Lalna asked with a worried look on his face.
  "No, son . . . I can't see anything. But that's no pigeon on the roof!"
  More loud bangs sounded above their heads and Xephos jumped to his feet. He stared up at the roof. "You're right . . . it isn't a pigeon . . . it's another one of those Dawn Demons!"

16 - No Smoke Without Fire
Strange sounds continued above their heads.
  "Something's rolling down the roof," Xephos said, running over to the window. He stared through the glass and watched in disbelief as a large round potato dropped to the ground.
  "It's a spud!"
  More rumbling and rolling sounded above their heads. The three of them watched as another potato fell past the window.
  "What the Devil's going on?" Honeydew stammered.
  A clunk sounded from behind them. All three of them swung round and stared at the stove. The flames spit and hissed and turned to smoke.
  "Something's fallen down the stove pipe and landed in the fire," Lalna said.
  Before anyone had chance to react, a second clunk sounded, followed by a third and fourth.
  "I don't believe it! They're dropping potatoes down the chimney into the stove."
  As if to confirm the old man's theory, a fifth potato landed heavily in the fire and rolled out through the little glass door on to the floor. Smoke billowed into the room.
  Xephos charged out of the shed door, Lalna close on his heels. He climbed up on to a water butt and stared up at the chimney. Lalna clambered up beside him.
  Their worst fears were confirmed!
  One of the dolls was kneeling on the apex of the roof, its arms full of potatoes, stuffing them down the narrow chimney pipe. It glared down at them and split two of the potatoes . . . they rolled down the floor. Xephos reached out and caught one. He drew his arm back and threw it with all his might at the doll. It missed.
  The doll grinned an evil grin and turned its attentions towards them. They watched in horror as it climbed slowly to its feet. It stood perfectly balanced on the sloping roof and hurled a large potato with great strength. It struck Lalna on the temple and knocked him off the water butt, flat on to the ground.
  "Lalna! Are you ok?" Xephos shrieked, jumping down by his side.
  Lalna lay dazed on the muddy ground, the rain still falling in torrents. "Get . . . get . . . Honeydew out!" Lalna stuttered. "The smoke . . .!"
  At first, Xephos didn't understand what Lalna was trying to say, but he turned round and saw that the shed was full of smoke. Then it clicked. The doll was blocking the chimney . . . filling it with potatoes . . . smoking the old man out!
  Xephos opened the door and saw Honeydew coughing and spluttering, trying desperately to put out the stove. But it was no good! The whole of the shed was filling rapidly with thick black smoke.
  "GET OUT!" Xephos screamed at him.
  But the old man just dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Without hesitation Xephos raced in and grabbed hold of his arms. He pulled and pulled for all he was worth and dragged Honeydew towards the door and out into the rain.
  Lalna recovered and tried to help. "The doll's still up there," he said groggily. "I can hear it moving about."
  Xephos climbed back on to the water butt and watched open-mouthed as the doll bent back the chimney and squeezed it flat.
  With the chimney sealed and completely blocked with potatoes, the stove began to overheat and belch flames into the shed. Once again, Lalna was the first to realize the danger. "GET BACK!" he screamed. "IT'S GOING TO GO UP IN FLAMES!"
  Xephos jumped down and joined Honeydew, well away from the shed.
  "All of you get back!" a voice shouted from behind them. "I'll take over!"
  They looked round and saw Xevphera standing there in her shiny black plastic coat. She was wearing bright-purple wellingtons patterned with black stars.
  "Xevphera . . . you're back!" Xephos cried out in surprise.
  "What are you going to do?" Lalna asked.
At first, Xevphera didn't answer. She moved towards a pipe sticking up from the ground. It had a tap on the end and a length of hosepipe attached and coiled beneath it. "I'm going to give our friend a little blast."
  Xephos watched as Xevphera turned on the tap and aimed a fierce jet of water towards the roof.
  "You'll not put the fire out that way," Honeydew shouted at her, trying to get back on his feet. "You need to aim it inside."
  "I'm not trying to put the fire out," Xevphera retorted, climbing up on to the water butt. "I'm going to wash away the pest on the roof."
  Xephos and Lalna jumped up beside her just in time to see the jet of water strike the doll on the side of the head. It immediately lost its balance, floundered and slipped down the far side of the roof and out of sight.
  Xevphera jumped down, still clinging on to the hosepipe. Xephos and Lalna did the same. They all jumped back as the shed began to go up in flames.
  "Is it dead?" Lalna asked, his voice full of hope.
  "No way!" Xevphera said. "Like I told you, they're getting stronger. Stand behind me!"
  They did as she said and waited, hearts beating faster, to see if the doll reappeared. More flames appeared through the shed window . . . the inside was beginning to turn into an inferno. At the same time, the rain began to ease . . . slowing to a drizzle . . . the light level increasing a little. But no sign of the doll!
    "Where is it?" Lalna asked.
  "Gone back to join the others!" Xephos suggested.
  The clouds parted. The sun came out and dazzled them. Xevphera lowered the water jet and shielded her eyes . . . just as the doll appeared from round the flaming shed and charged straight at her.
  It was so intent on its target that it never saw Honeydew snatch up the old runner-bean net and throw it over its head. For all its strength the doll was rendered completely harmless. It struggled like a fish in a trawler net, biting and clawing at the mesh and screaming like a demented child.
  "Brilliant!" Xephos screamed.
  Xevphera said nothing. She scooped up the net, dragged it towards the burning shed and hurled it inside. She pulled the door closed and stepped back.
  "NO!" Xephos shrieked. "Put out the fire . . . it's Honeydew's special place!"
  The old man sauntered up and put his hand on Xephos' shoulder. "Leave it, son! Let it go! It's already ruined . . . due to that rat, Scullion. Let another piece of him go with it!"
  They stood back and watched as the shed went up like matchwood and burnt to the ground. Within no time at all it was reduced to a pile of smoking rubble, an ominous black lump lying close to where the door had stood.
  Xephos looked up at Honeydew's sad, tear-filled eyes as he surveyed the smouldering remains. The last valuable thing in his life had gone. He grabbed the old man's arm and squeezed it. Lalna did the same with Honeydew's other arm.
  "We'll get rid of Scullion one way or another," Xephos said determinedly.
  Honeydew looked down at them and forced a smile. "The Three Musketeers, lad . . . that's what we are."
  Xevphera walked over and joined them. She squeezed in between them and put her arms around Honeydew's waist. "You mean, the Fabulous Four!" she said. "Count me in!"
  As they stood huddled together, the rain began to pour again. But they chose to remain there, clinging to each other, each of them sensing that together they made a formidable opposition for the evil power that stalked them.
  A barking form nearby brought them back to reality. They all watched in silence as the Alsatian bounded over and nuzzled up against Xevphera's purple wellingtons.
  "That's settled then!" Xevphera said with real determination in her voice. "There's five of us! Scullion, here we come!"
  A siren sounded somewhere in the distance.
  "Are you ok?" a man shouted as he approached them. "I saw the smoke and rang the fire brigade."
  "It's too late. My shed's already gone up," honeydew called back. "But at least we're ok."
  They remained there, still in a group hug, relishing the moment, sensing their combined strength . . . waiting for the fire engine to arrive.

17 - The Devil's Lair
An area of barren wasteland sprawled alongside the railway. Generations of weeds grew up the sides of the crumbling brickwork, hiding the old railway arches from public view.
  One of the arches, more overgrown than the rest, still carried a familiar name stencilled in faded letters across its rusted metal doors.

SAMUEL SCULLION & Co.

Behind the barrier to the outside world, a large featureless room lay filled with stagnant ait, its only occupants - rats - scurrying amongst the decaying wooden crates and other rubbish strewn across the damp stone floor. To the rear of this dark chamber a door space led through into a winding passage. A ghostly high-pitched whispering sound echoed around its walls, coming from the direction of a shimmering light - from the festering office at the far end.
  And in Scullion's former den, lit by a single candle, the two remaining Dawn Demons sat and waited, Scullion presiding over them, his intense evil power shared equally between them.
  The hideous dolls grinned and sneered, one with no hair, the other, Black hair. Both with penetrating red eyes - twins of evil . . . twitching . . . restless . . . eager to strike.
  And in this deepest, darkest place, Scullion's malicious spirit calculated and connived. He knew it would only be a matter of time before old Prior led the little gang of interfering brats into his lair. And his two remaining instruments of evil would be waiting - to kill them . . . to destroy the interfering mortal pests forever!

18 - Honeydew Leads the Way
The sun had shone as the fire brigade doused the smouldering remains of Honeydew's allotment shed. The police had turned up and questioned them (Xevphera and the dog had disappeared), but Honeydew remained disinterested and had not been very helpful. He'd mentioned the fact that he'd been a police officer, referred to one or two older colleagues - but no one knew them. This made Honeydew feel even more disinterested. "Vandals!" was all he kept saying. "You should find them . . . lock them up and throw away the key!"
  The police had made a few notes and promised to look into it.
  "Waste of time!" Honeydew had whispered to Xephos and Lalna. "They'd never believe what really happened!"
  And now they were back at Aunt Kim's, about to tuck into bangers and mash.
  "It's the onion gravy that makes the meal really special," Honeydew muttered. "You can't beat it!"
  Aunt Kim walked in and put their plates in front of them, stacked with creamy mashed potatoes and freshly-fried sausages. "Right! I'll just get the gravy," she said cheerily. "I won't be a minute!"
  Xephos looked at Honeydew and smiled. He took the handcuffs from one of his trouser pockets and the key from the toher. "These are great," he said. "Look . . . I can do it. Hold your wrists out, Lalna."
  Lalna held his wrists above the table and Xephos snapped the handcuffs around them in a matter of seconds.
  "Not bad for a beginner," Honeydew smiled. "You've got to be even quicker than that when it's a real criminal. They might have a gun in their pocket."
    "Wow! I never thought of that," Xephos said.
  "Whatever are you teaching them?" Aunt Kim said, carrying in the gravy boat. "Why are Lalna's wrists clamped? Is he on a diet?"
    Honeydew smiled and Xephos laughed out loud. He unlocked the cuffs and Lalna began tucking into his meal. Aunt Kim went back to the kitchen.
  The old man leant towards Xephos and whispered, "Tonight . . . you and Lalna . . . are you up for it?"
  "Up for what?" Xephos asked quietly.
  "Scullion's place! I know where it is. It's time we paid him a visit and put a stop to this business. If the police won't do it, then we'll see to it ourselves!"
  Xephos felt a nervous flutter in his stomach. Suddenly, the sausages and mashed potatoes didn't seem quite so appetizing.
  Xephos whispered Honeydew's intentions to Lalna and asked him if he was up for it too. Lalna looked even more nervous. "I suppose so!" he replied. "Do you think Xevphera will turn up?"
  Xephos smiled to himself. It seemed he wasn't the only one who felt safer when she was around. "I hope so!" he whispered. He turned back to Honeydew. "We're up for it! What time?"
  "During the early hours . . . before dawn. I'll give you a knock. I never sleep much anyway."
  Xephos smiled to himself again. He thought back to the loud snoring that they'd heard coming from the old man's room. "Ok, we'll be waiting. If we're asleep, just wake us up." But Xephos knew that there was no chance of either he or Lalna getting much sleep - things were getting much too exciting.
  Aunt Kim walked in with a large pot of tea and placed it on the table. "Your mum's been on the phone, Xephos. She wants you to give her a ring. She sounded a bit anxious. I told her you were fine, but Minty always was a worrier."
  Xephos and Lalna looked at each toher and frowned.

While Aunt Kim, Honeydew and Lalna watched TV, Xephos phoned his mum. She answered the phone straight away - as if she'd been waiting. "Xephos! Are you ok?"
  Xephos paused. "yes . . . why wouldn't I be?"
  "Because something's going on! I can sense it!"
  "It's Aunt Kim's lodger - Honeydew. His allotment shed's been burnt down by vandals!"
  "It's more than that, Xephos . . . Don't lie to me! I've been having strange dreams again. Terrible nightmares - some sort of dolls . . . horrible things! And I know that you're tied up in all this . . ."
  Xephos swallowed hard. He hated lying. But he wanted Mum and Aunt Kim well out of the way. "Don't know what you're on about, Mum. Everything's fine. In fact, we've made friends with Honeydew - he's taking us out." 'Well at least that bits true', Xephos thought to himself.
  There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Xephos could almost see Minty taking a long puff on her cigarette. "Are you sure, Xephos? You would tell me, wouldn't you?"
  "Sure, Mum."
  "I'll ring again tomorrow night."
  "Ok, Mum - and stop worrying! Is Lomadia ok?"
  "Yes, she's fine. But it's not her I'm worrying about. How's Lalna getting on?"
  Xephos heard Lalna laugh loudly from in the sitting room. Whatever he was watching on TV, it sounded really funny. "He's fine, Mum. He's really enjoying it here. he loves Aunt Kim's meals."
  Xephos' mum sounded more relaxed. "Who wouldn't? Kim's a great cook. Give her my love and tell her I'll speak to her tomorrow evening. Now promise me that you'll take good care!"
  "Promise, Mum."
  "Bye then."
  "Bye Mum . . . love you!"
  "You too!"
  Xephos put the phone down and felt a lump in his throat. He hated not telling the truth, even when he knew it was for the best.
  He walked back into the front room and sat next to Lalna on the sofa. He took the handcuffs from his pocket and began playing with them. But Lalna got tired of having his wrists clamped, so Xephos sat on the rug and practiced on Lalna's ankles. Honeydew gave him a sly glance from his armchair. Xephos looked at the clock on the mantelpiece: 9:30.
  It wouldn't be too long before they were on their way to find Scullion's hiding place. Xephos felt worried and excited at the same time. If Xevphera and the dog turned up there would be five of them - brilliant! But what would be waiting when they got there?

*------*------*

Later, in bed, he and Lalna went over everything that had happened again and again. They compared notes, compared ideas and even compared each other's feelings about the whole situation.
  They finished up by admitting that they were both putting on a brave front. They were both extremely anxious about what the next twenty-four hours might hold for them.
  But opening up and talking to each other was good - it made Xephos feel a little more relaxed. Amazingly, he managed to fall asleep.
  it was something during the early hours when he awoke to a sound from just outside the bedroom door.
  Lalna slept by his side, blissfully unaware.
  Xephos gripped the edge of the duvet and peered towards the door. He jumped at the sight of the soulful eyes staring in at him.
  "Come on!" a familiar voice said in gruff tones. "Don't make a noise. Kim's asleep."
  Xephos woke Lalna and the two of them slipped out of bed. They dressed silently while the old man waited patiently out on the landing. A few minutes later, Honeydew was leading them down the stairs with a powerful torch.
  "The girl's waiting out in the street," the old man whispered. "I spotted her through my window. She's got the dog with her."
  "Brilliant!" Xephos whispered back. Knowing Xevphera was outside made him feel so much better. He suspected Lalna felt the same.
  A few seconds later, they were out in the street, greeting Xevphera and the Alsatian. The night was clear and a full moon shone down form the starlit sky. But an ominous line of black clouds loomed on the horizon.
  "I'll lead the way," Honeydew commanded. He switched off the torch and put it in his pocket. "Just keep your voiced down and follow me . . . I know exactly where to go."
  "So do I!" Xevphera chipped in. "And it's my guess that they know we're on our way."
  "Who does?" Lalna asked nervously.
  "Scullion . . . and the dolls," Xevphera replied calmly. "They'll be waiting."
  Xephos felt his stomach tighten. "How do you know?"
"Because she's a little mermaid and she knows everything!" Lalna teased.
  "Exactly!" Xevphera giggled. "You're learning!"
  Honeydew moved forward and muttered over his shoulder. "This is not the time for joking! Now keep quiet . . . and keep up."
  "Ok, but keep the dog close - he'll spot danger before any of us," Xevphera said. She slid a length of roper around the dogs neck - it looked like an old skipping rope. The dog panted enthusiastically.
  They moved off along the street.
  There were lots of parked cars, otherwise Yogcave Terrace was completely deserted. But as they approached the end of the street, there was a definite movement around the corner. The dog growled.
  "Get behind me!" Honeydew whispered. "I'll go first."
  They edged along the private hedge, Honeydew at the front, Xevphera next, Xephos and Lalna taking up the rear.
  As they turned into OilTown Street, a tall figure staggered out in front of them. It was a scruffily-dressed man. He reeked of alcohol. "Got any money?" He glowered at them.
  "He's drunk," Honeydew declared. "Just ignore him and keep going!"
  They sped on, the man shouting angrily after them, his curses ringing through the cold night air. The dog looked back and snarled.
  "I hope we don't meet any more like him," Lalna said. "He's definitely out of it."
  Xevphera smirked. "He's the least of our problems."
  A short while later, Honeydew led them down the promenade. Everywhere seemed ghostly, bathed in shadows and completely devoid of people. The sea crashed on to the beach below, sounding ten times louder than during the day. Xephos wondered if Uncle Ridge was out there, his kindly spirit hovering over the inky-black waves.
  The old man finally turned away from the seafront and led them away into an area unknown to Xephos and Lalna. Everywhere seemed run-down. The streets were narrower, darker and strewn with litter. Sounds of barking dogs and loud voices echoed from hidden alleyways and boarded-up houses.
  "This is getting seriously scary," Lalna stammered.
  "It gets worse," Xevphera said.
  "How much further?" Xephos asked.
  Honeydew stared back at them. His big eyes somehow looked bigger at night. "About five minutes - if we take the shortcut and nip down the snicket."
    "What's a snicket?" Lalna asked.
  "It's just a narrow passage between houses," Honeydew replied.
  "Ok . . . let's go for it!" Xephos said.
  Xevphera stopped. Her eyes sparkled under the streetlight. "I think I know where he means. It's not a nice shortcut."
  "Why?" Xephos and Lalna whispered together.
  "it's really dark and people hang out there . . . not very nice people!"
  "It's called 'dead man's lane'," Honeydew said in his low gruff voice, "We'll be fine - we'll just need to be on our guard."
  "It can't be any more dangerous than where we're heading," Xephos said.
  "That's true," Xevphera replied. "Come on! Keep moving!"
  They crept on, stopping at every corner and constantly looked over their shoulder. The occasional car drove past . . . nothing unusual.
  All the time, the Alsatian pulled at his rope, leading Honeydew on. But the dog suddenly stopped and the hackles on the back of his neck stood on end.
  "Right, this is it," Honeydew said. He crouched low and peered around the corner. Xephos and Lalna stared ahead.
  A long narrow passage led off between the backs of two rows of houses. It was dimly lit and curved away into the distance - a perfect place for someone to wait in ambush!
    "Blimey!" Lalna muttered. "Do we really have to go down there?"
  "'Fraid so!" Xevphera replied, without a trace of nervousness in her voice.
  "I'll stay at the front," Honeydew said. "Xephos, you take up the rear."
  The dog gave a little whine and moved on - but this time much more slowly. Like mice being stalked by a cat, they set off down Dead Man's Lane, listening intently, wondering if anyone or anything might be waiting ahead of them.
  The dog stopped suddenly and began to growl. They all stopped dead in their tracks and peered forward.
  "Look, there's the end of the lane," Xevphera said in a low voice. "The Arches are just beyond, on the other side of that waste ground."
  As Xephos and Lalna looked to where she was pointing, two figures stood out in the distance. They faced each other, leaning against the high wall, blocking the exit to the lane. Even from far off, it was easy to make out the outline of the baseball cap!
  "It's the Red Cap Gang, isn't it?" Lalna stated rather than asked.
  Xevphera knelt down and peered forward. "Yes, the gang you ran into the other day. They're bad news!"
  "So what do we do?" Lalna asked nervously.
  "We shift them!" Honeydew said, crouching down. "Leave it to me!"
  They watched as the old man took a mobile from his coat pocket and pushed the buttons. After a short pause, he whispered quickly into the phone.
  "Hi, it's Prior here . . . ex-detective Inspector Prior . . . the man you couldn't remember back on my allotment when my shed burnt down. Yes, that's me! Well, I've got something interesting for you. Two youths . . . drug dealing . . . end of Dead Man's lane. They're there now . . . you'll catch them red-handed if you're quick."
  A smile spread across the old man's wrinkled features. "Ok, i'll wait. Hurry up or they'll be gone."
  Honeydew smiled again and put his phone back in his pocket. "Now we wait!"
  They all crouched in the shadows of the narrow lane and waited.
  Sure enough, within five minutes a blue flashing light appeared on the scene. A scuffle broke out at the end of the lane as the two figures wearing baseball caps wrestling with three more figures.
  "Got them!" Honeydew muttered loudly.
  "Brilliant!" Xephos said.
  "Not quite!" Xevphera pointed out. "Look, that bigger guy is getting away."
  They watched with baited breath as the bigger of the two baseball-capped figures broke away and began sprinting up the dark passage - straight towards them.
  The Alsatian jumped to his feet and began barking savagely.
  They all tensed as the boy's shadow stopped about twenty yards away. With the police haring after him, the youth had no choice but to carry on towards them.
  They watched in awe as he withdrew something ominous from one of his pockets - it was easy to make out what it was!
  "Oh my God," Lalna cried. "He's got a knife!"