KILMARNY ISLAND

Julie Hart

1
A Letter from Ireland

Brian Parker, 15, lived with his parents in a busy suburb of London.
Brians mother, Mary, was a history teacher at his school. His father,
Clive, was an art dealer. Clive bought and sold paintings, organized
art exhibitions and helped artists become famous. The Parkers were
very happy and they didnt want to change anything in their lives.
But one morning, during the summer holidays, Mary received a letter
from Ireland and everything began to change. The family was having
breakfast around the table. Mary read the letter aloud. It was from her
Aunt Sarahs housekeeper, Mrs OConnor.

Dear Mrs Parker,

A few days ago, your Aunt Sarah had an accident.
She dropped a candle and it started a fire. Your aunt
was OK, but there was serious damage to the rooms
at the back of the house.
I feel I am too old to help Sarah now. You know she
can be very difficult. She was always very frightened
of everything but it is much worse since the fire. Now
she doesnt want to leave the house.
Im sorry, but you must find a new housekeeper for
your aunt. Im leaving at the end of the week.
Yours sincerely,
Janice OConnor

Oh dear! said Mary to her husband. We must go to Ireland

immediately. Aunt Sarah needs our help.
Do you mean your strange aunt on Kilmarny Island? asked Brian.
Yes, but she isnt strange, said Mary.
She is! said Clive. She hasnt got any electricity in the house. She
walks around with candles and oil lamps! Dont you think thats
strange?
Mary liked Aunt Sarah very much. She looked at Clive angrily. Aunt
Sarah cant install electricity in her house, she explained. She hasnt
got enough money.
2

Do you remember when she locked us all in the bedroom? laughed

Clive.
She was protecting us, said Mary. She thought there was a thief in
the attic.
Yes, but it wasnt a thief, said Clive. A bird flew into the attic and it
was trying to get out!
Mary put the letter on the table. I know Aunt Sarah is a little eccentric
and she sometimes behaves in an unusual way, she said. But shes
got a good heart.
Brian was curious. Why is Aunt Sarah frightened everything? he
asked.
Well, she had a very bad experience when she was young, answered
Mary. When she was five, she lived in a house next to the beach. One
winter, there was a storm and the sea destroyed part of the house.
Was Aunt Sarah in the house? Brian asked.
Yes, answered Mary. Her parents were out shopping so she was
alone at home, in a room upstairs.
How did she get out? Brian asked.
Nobody knows, answered Mary. According to Aunt Sarah, a
leprechaun saved her. But of course nobody believes that!
A leprechaun! said Brian. A small old man with magic powers? But
thats just an Irish legend.
Clive smiled. Your Aunt Sarah believes in leprechauns, he said.
Anyway, why was a child of five alone in the house? He took the
newspaper from the table and started to read.
So what happened to Aunt Sarah after that? asked Brian, curiously.
Well, she never really recovered from the shock, said Mary. Shes
still afraid of a lot of things. She gave me this charm bracelet when I
was small to keep me safe!
Mary touched the bracelet on her arm and looked at the miniature
figures on it. One figure was missing. Mary always wanted another
figure for her bracelet, but she could never find one.
Mary turned to her husband. Can you take a holiday from work,
Clive? she asked. I want to go to Kilmarny Island next week.
Clive looked at her over his newspaper. OK. Ill make some phone
calls and make preparations for it, he said. But I cant stay in Ireland
long. Im giving a big art exhibition at the end of the month. Brian,
you will come with us. Youll have a good time on the island.
3

Brian wasnt happy about the plans. It was the summer holiday and
he wanted to spend time with his friends. I cant go, he said. Ive got
other plans.
We cant leave you alone in the house for a week, said Mrs Parker,
firmly.
Over the next few days, the Parkers prepared for their journey to
Ireland. Clive had meetings with artists and made plans for his
exhibition. Mary sent a letter to Aunt Sarah.
Dear Aunt Sarah,
Im very sorry to hear bout the fire in your
home. Clive and I are coming to help you. Well
arrive next week with Brian.
See you soon
Love
Mary

2
The Journey to Kilmarny Island
It was a long journey to Kilmarny Island. The roads out of London were
busy and the Parkers sat in traffic for a long time. Mary drove most of
the way because Clive was busy on the telephone. He was talking to
artists and art collectors.
They drove to the airport and got on a plane to Cork, Ireland. Then,
they got in a very old taxi to go to Blimey Harbour. There was a
beautiful view from the window. They saw green fields and rivers, and
people riding on horses and carts.
After two hours in the taxi, smoke started to come out of the engine!
They stopped at the side of the road.
Whats the problem? asked Clive.
Oh, my poor old car! said the taxi driver. It cant go any further.
These old roads are very hard for my car.
Well, can you call us another taxi? asked Clive.
Oh, there isnt another taxi for miles, said the driver. But dont
worry. Jimmys coming soon in his cart.

Mary couldnt understand the drivers Irish accent. Whats coming?

she asked.
My friend Jimmys coming with his horse and cart, said the driver.
We passed him on the road an hour ago, so hell be here soon. He
can take you to Blimey Harbour.
Were going to ride in a horse and cart! Great! said Brian. Can you
believe this is the 21st century?
The Parkers waited at the side of the road. Finally, Jimmy arrived with
his horse and cart. There was a goat in the back.
Hello, Shane, Jimmy said to the taxi driver. Isnt it a lovely day?
Yes, it is! said the taxi driver. Now, Jimmy, these people want to go
to Blimey Harbour. Can you take them there?
OK, Im going to Killorglin, Jimmy said. It isnt far from the harbour.
Ill take them there first.
The taxi driver looked at the goat. Thats a beautiful goat, Jimmy! he
said. Are you taking him to Puck Fair on Saturday?
Yes, I am, said Jimmy. Hell be a fine king.
What do you mean? asked Brian. He was very confused. How can a
goat be a king?
Sit next to me at the front and Ill explain, said Jimmy.
The taxi driver put their bags on the cart and the Parkers climbed up.
Brian sat at the front next to Jimmy. Mary and Clive sat in the back of
the cart with the goat. They werent very happy about this!
I hope it doesnt move too close, said Mary to Clive in a quiet voice.
Go on, girl! Jimmy shouted to his old, grey horse, and they started to
move slowly along the road.
Goats are very important animals around here, Jimmy started to
explain to Brian. Many years ago, a goat saved the people in the
village of Killorglin. So now, once a year, the people of Killorglin have
a fair to celebrate. They choose a goat and make it King of the
Village for a year.
How did it save the village? Brian wanted to know.
Well, in 1610, English soldiers attacked Ireland, explained Jimmy.
When the soldiers were near Killorglin, they frightened all the animals
in the fields. Most of them ran to the hills, but one goat ran into the
village. The people saw the frightened animal and knew there was
danger. So they ran to hide. The goat saved them all.
5

So did the people choose your goat as king this year? asked Brian.
Yes, they did, said Jimmy, proudly. And that was a very big decision!
They travelled along the old, broken road and Mary and Clive fell from
side to side in the back. Finally, they arrived at the harbour.
Woooooaa! Jimmy said to the horse and he pulled on the reins. The
Parkers climbed down from the cart happily and the goat tried to jump
out, too. Not yet, your Majesty, Jimmy said to the goat. Wait until we
get to Killorglin.
A ferry was waiting and the Parkers went to buy their tickets. Come
to the fair on Saturday, shouted Jimmy as he waved goodbye.
Oh, can we, Dad? asked Brian. Itll be fun!
OK, Clive said. But how will we go there?
Ill wait for you here at eight oclock on Saturday morning, shouted
Jimmy. See you then.
Well, this is going to be a strange holiday, said Clive. My clothes
smell of goat. When can we go back to the civilization?

3
Kilmarny Island
The Parkers were the only passengers on the ferry. We dont get
many visitors on this island, said the ferryman. Why are you going
there?
Were visiting my aunt, Sarah OLeary, said Mary.
Oh, old Sarah! he laughed. Everybody loves her. Shes got a good
heart!
I know, said Mary, with a smile.
Is this your first time on the island? asked the ferryman.
No. We came 13 years ago. Our son, Brian, was only two then, said
Mary.
The ferryman turned to Brian. I hope you wont be bored, son, he
said. There isnt much to do on Kilmarny Island.
Well, we can hire a car and see the island, said Brian.
Oh, there arent any roads or cars, said the ferryman. There are just
beaches, rocks and a pub.

Do you mean there arent any sports clubs or cinemas? said Brian.
What am I going to do there? Now he was unhappy.
Soon, they saw Kilmarny Island in the distance. The ferry moved
slowly towards the harbour.
How many people live on the island now? asked Clive.
There were about 65 people the last time I counted, said the
ferryman. Ohand one leprechaun.
There arent any leprechauns! Brian said. Thats ridiculous! Its only
a legend.
Well, thats your opinion, the ferryman said. We believe in
leprechauns. They live under the ground and people sometimes see
them.
Sorry, but I agree with my son! Said Clive. Thats ridiculous.
The ferryman didnt answer, but looked angry. Mary tried to change
the subject. There werent any pubs here 13 years ago, she said. Do
many people go there now?
Oh, yes. The pub is open all night, the ferryman answered. People
play Irish music and dance. We love the pub.
Brian hated dancing. Im not going to a pub. He said.
Dont worry, we wont take you, said Clive. Youre too young.
Thats not true. These are family pubs, said the ferryman. People of
all ages can go.
Great! Brian said, sarcastically. I cant wait!
About 20 minutes later, they arrived at the island. Welcome to
Kilmarny Island, said the ferryman. Enjoy your stay!
The Parkers took their bags from the ferry and looked around. There
werent any signs and they didnt know how to go to Aunt Sarahs
house. They saw a small man sitting on a rock. He had a long, grey
beard, and he wore a green jacket.
Excuse me, do you know Craglee House? asked Mary. Is it near
here?
Yes, follow me, said the small man, and he walked quickly along a
path.
They walked after the man, but it was difficult with all their bags.
Soon, a fog appeared and they couldnt see very far. The only thing
they could see was the small mans long, green jacket.

4
Aunt Sarah
Finally, they came to a big old house. The small didnt wait for the
Parkers to thank him. He disappeared into the fog.
Mary knocked on the door but nobody answered. A window opened
and somebody looked out. It was a woman of about 70 years old. She
was very thin and she had long, untidy hair. Her eyes looked very
frightened.
Aunt Sarah? asked Mary.
The woman didnt answer. She looked at them with a confused
expression.
Its Mary, your niece from England, said Mary. Were here to help
you.
Aunt Sarah smiled, but she still had the frightened look in her eyes.
She closed the window and a few minutes later she opened the door.
She pulled her visitors into the house quickly and closed the door.
Mary kissed Aunt Sarahs cheek. Do you remember Clive? she said.
And this is Brian.
Oh, youre so big! You were only two the last time I saw you, Aunt
Sarah said to Brian. And now, look at you! Youre very tall and
handsome!
How are you, Aunt Sarah? asked Mary. We were very sorry to hear
about the fire!
Yes, it was terrible, said Aunt Sarah. The fire destroyed the back of
the house.
The Parkers went to look at the damage. The area at the back of the
house was black with smoke. Clive opened a door and it fell on him.
This door is dangerous. Ill call a builder to come and look at it.
Then Brian tried to find the bathroom. It was behind the house in the
garden. This house hasnt got electricity and the bathroom is
outside! he thought. How does Aunt Sarah survive? More important,
how are we going to survive?
Brian returned to the house. Everybody was in the kitchen and there
was a strong smell of burned food. Aunt Sarah put four plates and
four forks on the table. There was a small piece of fish and some
black potatoes on each plate. The fish was not cooked enough and
the potatoes were hard and burned.
Can we have some knives, please? asked Brian.
8

No! Theyre dangerous, said Aunt Sarah. You can hurt yourself with
a knife. I dont want that.
Brian looked down at the fish on his plate. The fish looked at Brian
from the plate with its bright eye. Oh, I dont feel well, said Brian and
he ran outside into the garden.
Doesnt Brian like fish? asked Aunt Sarah. Mrs OConnor usually
cooks the meals, but she left on Saturday. Now I must do everything
myself.
Dont worry. Well help you, said Mary.
Mary and Clive pushed the terrible food around their plates with their
forks. Em, thank you for the meal but were very tired and we cant
eat, said Mary. Perhaps well have something later.
There were three floors in the house. Aunt Sarah took Brian upstairs
to a room on the second floor. Be careful on the stairs, she said. And
dont go near the window in your room. Its dangerous.
Why is the window dangerous? Brian asked, surprised.
You can fall out, answered Aunt Sarah.
She closed Brians door and accompanied Mary and Clive to the third
floor.
In Brians room, there was a long, dusty mirror, a cupboard and a bed.
Brian heard something move behind him. He turned quickly, but there
wasnt anything there.
A cold wind came through the open window and Brian went to close it.
There wasnt any fog outside now and he could see the rocks and the
sea. A figure was walking on the rocks, but Brian couldnt see his face.
The figure sat on a rock and threw something over his shoulder into
the sea. He was fishing.
Suddenly, Mary and Clive knocked on Brians door. Were hungry,
Clive said. Lets go and find something to eat.
There arent any restaurants on the island, Mary said. But we can
eat in the pub. Well say goodbye to Aunt Sarah and then we can go.
They tried to find Aunt Sarah, but she wasnt anywhere. Aunt Sarah
never leaves the house, said Mary. She must be here somewhere.
Oh, come on, lets go, said Clive impatiently. Im really hungry. Well
leave her a note now and well find her later.

5
9

Murphys Pub
They walked along the path to look for the pub. Finally, they heard
music and people laughing. There was a small house near the beach.
It had a sign on the door.

MURPHYS PUB
Open All Night!
Mary, Clive and Brian went inside. Everybody stopped talking and
turned to watch them. The Parkers sat a table in the corner and
ordered some sandwiches and hot chocolate. The people at the bar
started talking again. Soon, they were laughing and telling jokes.
There were two musicians next to the bar. One had a small instrument
called a tin whistle and the other had a violin. They started playing an
Irish song and the people clapped their hands. A man stood on an
empty table and started to dance. People moved their feet in time to
the music. A girl with long hair got up to dance, too. She was very
good. Brian ate his sandwich and watched her. The sandwich and hot
chocolate were delicious and he was in a much better mood now.
The Parkers finished their meal. It was dark outside now and there
was a loud noise on the roof of the pub. Its raining heavily, said Mr
Parker. We cant walk home in this! The musicians started to play
quieter music. The Parkers were very tired after their long journey and
it was warm and uncomfortable in the pub. Soon, they were all
asleep!
Wake up! You should go home and sleep in your beds, said the pub
owner, some time later. The Parkers opened their eyes. It was the
middle of the night and they saw that the pub was empty. They could
hear the sound of the sea outside.
Sorry we stayed so long, Clive said to the pub owner. We had a long
journey here and we were very tired.
Thats OK, said the pub owner. Our pub is open all hours. People
often fall asleep here! Heres a torch to help you find your way in the
darkness.
Thank you, said Clive as they walked out into the cold night air.
Now, which way is Aunt Sarahs house?

6
The Writing on the Mirror
Later that morning, a builder arrived from Killorglin to look at the
damage to the house. He shook his head and looked very serious.
10

The house is dangerous, he said. You must demolish the back of the
house and rebuild it. If you dont, the roof will fall down.
How much will it cost asked Clive.
About 40,000, said the builder.
Aunt Sarah is very upset.
Oh, what am I going to do? she cried. I havent got enough money.
Dont worry, Aunt Sarah, Mary said. Well think of a solution.
After the builder left, Clive and Mary sat with Aunt Sarah. You cant
live here any more, Aunt Sarah, said Mary. The house is too
dangerous.
I suppose youre right, said Sarah, but where can I go? Im so
frightened! What will happen to me?
You can live with us in London, said Mary.
Sarahs face became white. Oh, no! London is a big, frightening
place! she said. Ill miss my home and Kilmarny Island.
Dont worry, said Mary. Youll be OK. Well help you.
What will I do with the house? asked Sarah.
We can try to sell it if you want, said Clive.
Sarah put her head in her hands. Oh, I cant decide anything, she
said. Sell the house if you think thats best! then she walked to the
door.
Mary was worried about her. Are you Ok, Aunt Sarah? she asked.
Where are you going?
Im going to talk to Finikin, said Sarah. Hell help me.
Whos Finikin? asked Clive.
Hes the leprechaun, said Aunt Sarah, and she went upstairs without
another word.
Poor Sarah is really crazy, said Clive. His mobile phone was ringing in
the kitchen. He went to answer it, but it stopped ringing. He couldnt
find it anywhere.
Where is my phone? he asked his wife.
It was on the kitchen table a few minutes ago, answered Mary.
Well, it isnt there now, said Clive. Did Aunt Sarah take it?

11

I dont think so, answered Mary. She doesnt know need a mobile
phone!
Brian was in his room. Suddenly, he had a strange feeling. Was
somebody watching him? Then he saw writing in the dust on the
mirror. It said, Take care of Aunt Sarah! MF!
Who is MF? thought Brian. The window in his room was open and
Brian went to close it. He looked out and he saw the small figure on
the rocks again. He was walking away from the house. This time,
Brian recognised him. It was the small man from the harbour. Why
was he in the house? he thought. Im going to talk to him. And he
ran out of the house.
Brian followed the man over the rocks. His eyes were on the man and
he wasnt looking at the ground.
Suddenly, Brian fell into a hole. He tried to escape but it was too
deep. Help! Can anybody hear me? he shouted.
But nobody heard him, and Brian started to panic.
He was cold and frightened and he didnt know what to do. Suddenly,
a hand appeared and pulled his shirt. Whos there? Brian shouted.
But nobody answered. The hand pulled him through a narrow path
between the rocks and into a small cave.

7
The American
Clive and Mary couldnt find Brian or Aunt Sarah anywhere. Aunt
Sarah has disappeared again, said Clive. Do you think she went for a
walk?
No, I dont think so, said Mary. Aunt Sarah never leaves the house.
Where is she hiding?
Maybe she left the house with Brian, said Clive. Dont worry. They
cant get lost on this small island. Everybody knows everybody here.
A few minutes later, somebody knocked on the door. Mary answered it
and was surprised to find two men outside. They were dressed like
businessmen. One was a rich man from Texas, USA, called Mr Jackson.
The other was an estate agent from Cork called Patrick Wilde. Mr
Jackson wanted to buy the house.
The estate agent asked Mary to show the American around the house,
and he seemed very interested in it.
Its perfect! he said. The tourists will love it, its sodifferent! Of
course, well have to modernise it. Ill put bathrooms in the house and
12

well need to bring electricity. But I like the candles and oil lamps. Yes,
I want this house!
The estate agent was happy with Mr Jacksons enthusiasm. Theres
some land, too, he explained. You could build on the beach.
Great! said Mr Jackson. We can have a souvenir shop and a caf on
the beach, boat tours, water-skiing
Good. Ill bring you the legal documents tomorrow, said Mr Wilde.
Where are you staying?
Im staying in a room at Murphys Pub, said the American. Ill be on
the island for a few days.
Just then Mr Jacksons phone rang and he answered it. Suddenly, his
face became white. Who is this How did you know about
He switched off his phone quickly.
Is there a problem? asked the estate agent.
That was really strange, Mr Jackson answered. Somebody phoned to
warn me about this house. He said, Dont buy that house! Leave
Kilmarny Island immediately and dont return! He had an Irish
accent.
Where did the call come from? asked the estate agent. Check the
number on your phone.
The American looked at the number. Its 555 86036, he said.
Thats impossible! said Clive. Thats my phone number!
Well, somebody else is using your phone, said the estate agent.
Mr Parker was angry. Brian! he said. Wait until I get my hands on
that boy! Im very sorry, but my son is playing a trick on us.
Oh, kids! laughed the American. Its OK. Ive got three kids at home.
Dont worry about it.
After the men left, Clive was still angry. Brians in big trouble! he
said. How could he do that and with my phone?
Oh. Hes just bored, said Mary. Dont be angry with him. Theres
nothing for him to do here.
Well, well take him back to London soon, said Clive. Well sell the
house to Mr Jackson, and then well return to England with Aunt
Sarah.
Good. I cant wait to use an indoor bathroom again, said Mary.
They started to make plans and soon forgot all about Brian.
13

8
Michael Finikin
Brian was still in the cave. There was a hole in the roof of the cave
and sunlight shone into a corner. Brian saw some fishing rods, and
there was something familiar on a rock. It was his fathers mobile
phone. Hey! Thats my dads phone, he said aloud. How did it get
here?
I brought it here, said a voice. Somebody was sitting on the rocks in
the dark. Brian could see the small man with the long grey beard.
Who are you? asked Brian. You keep appearing and disappearing!
Im Michael Finikin, said the voice. Im a leprechaun.
Thats stupid. Leprechauns arent real! said Brian. Theyre just a
legend!
Well, Im real, said Finikin. Do you think Im a legend?
Are you the man from the harbour? Brian asked. What were you
doing at Sarahs house? Did you write the message on the mirror? You
took Dads phone! Thats stealing!
And youre taking Sarahs house from her. Thats stealing! said
Finikin.
Were not taking her house. Were helping her to sell it, said Brian.
But Sarah doesnt want to sell her house. She wants to stay here,
said Finikin. He jumped from the rocks and came closer. Brian looked
at his long, grey beard and green jacket. If you help Sarah to stay, Ill
give you a reward, he said.
What will you give me? asked Brian.
I make things, Finikin said. He took a box from the rock and showed
Brian some miniature figures. They were perfect, like the figures on
his mothers bracelet.
Theyre very nice, but I cant do anything to help, said Brian.
I dont believe that! said Finikin. And he climbed over the rocks to
the top of the cave and left through the hole.
Brian took his fathers phone and followed Finikin outside. The small
man ran towards the sea and suddenly disappeared.
I cant believe this is happening, Brian thought. Finikin is really a
leprechaun. A human cant disappear like that!
14

From the rocks, Brian had a view of the island. Two men were on the
path near Aunt Sarahs house. It was the estate agent and the
American. Brian returned quickly to the house and ran inside. He gave
his father the phone and started to tell his parents about Finikin. But
they didnt listen. They were too angry.
That was a stupid thing to do, Brian! Clive shouted. We almost lost
the sale of the house because of you.
What are you talking about, Dad? asked Brian. I didnt do anything.
Stop this nonsense! said Brians mother. Of course it was you you
had Dads phone. Go and get your coat. Were going out to eat. Well
talk about it later.
Brian looked at his parents, perplexed. Theyre both in a bad mood,
he thought. They wont listen to anything I tell them. They certainly
wont believe I met the leprechaun!

9
Riley
The Parkers returned to Murphys Pub to eat, but the atmosphere was
very different this time. Nobody was laughing or telling jokes that
night. It was very quiet. When the Parkers walked in, everybody
turned and gave them an angry look. Mr Jackson was there. He went
to the bar and asked for a drink.
Im not serving you! said the man behind the bar. Youre not
welcome here.
Go back to the United States! said another man. Were very private
people. We dont want tourists and souvenir shops here. Theyll
destroy our island!
Mr Jacksons face was red. He took his coat and left the pub. Oh,
dear! said Clive. Were selling the house to Mr Jackson. Maybe we
should leave, too. Come on. He took his coat and walked to the door,
but a big man with a red beard stood in front of him.
My names Riley, the man said. Youre not going anywhere. Not until
we talk.
Clive returned to the table and Riley sat opposite him. We dont want
any trouble! said Riley. We just want to protect our island. The men
here are fishermen. Thats how they support their families. They catch
fish in the sea, and collect shellfish from the rocks. Right now, there
are enough fish for everybody and weve got a quiet, clean island. But
tourists will change all that. Theyll throw rubbish in the sea and walk

15

over the rocks. The island will be dirty and noisy and there wont be
any fish. We dont want that! We like our simple island.
I can understand that! said Clive. He tried to smile.
Mary felt very uncomfortable. She put her hand on Clives arm.
Maybe we should find a nice quiet family to buy the house, dear, she
said to him.
Riley gave a big smile. Yes, maybe you should, he said. Or just leave
old Sarah in her house. She loves it.
The man behind the bar took three glasses from a shelf. Well, thats
final, he said. There wont be any tourists on this island. Lets
celebrate. Free drinks for everybody!
Suddenly, the pub came to life. A musician started to play a violin and
everybody started talking. Riley took his glass and raised it in the air.
Lets drink to our quiet little island, he said.
To Kilmarny Island! everybody said at the same time.
Hey, that reminds me of a joke, Riley said to the Parkers. A man
called Paddy wanted to sell his house, so he called an estate agent.
The estate agent wrote an advertisement and put it in the newspaper.
When Paddy read the advertisement, he was amazed. Is this all true?
he asked the estate agent. Yes, it is, said the estate agent. Why do
you ask? Well, answered Paddy, if my house is so wonderful, maybe
I wont sell it!
Everybody laughed, including the Parkers. They all moved their feet to
the music and people started dancing. The Irish pub was a very happy
place. The Parkers stayed there until one oclock in the morning. That
night, they all slept very well.

10
The Fire
At 10 oclock in the morning, somebody knocked on the door. It was
Mr Jackson, the estate agent and a lawyer. Aunt Sarahs window was
open upstairs. She was listening to the conversation.
Good morning! said the lawyer. Ive got the legal documents for the
sale of the house.
Come inside, said Clive. Well talk in the living room.

16

Aunt Sarah was very worried. Those people want to buy my house!
she said. Oh, why did I agree to sell it? I dont want to leave! Finikin,
where are you? I need your help!
She went into Brians bedroom and opened the cupboard door. At the
back of the cupboard there was a small door. Aunt Sarah opened the
door, took a candle and went into a secret passage. This was her
secret place, and she was happy there.
She was trembling as she lit the candle and it fell from her hand. It
started a fire in the passage. Sarah looked at the flames but couldnt
move. She was hypnotised by the fire.
Brian entered his bedroom and could smell smoke immediately. What
was happening? The smell wasnt outside his room it was inside.
Smoke was coming from under the cupboard door. He opened the
cupboard and looked carefully. To his surprise, there was another door
at the back of the cupboard. Brian opened it and saw the secret
passage!
Brian heard coughing. It was Aunt Sarah. Dont worry, Im coming,
Aunt Sarah, he shouted. He put a towel over his face and went into
the passage. It was full of smoke but there wasnt any fire. There was
a wet blanket and a candle on the ground. He saw a green jacket. It
was burned.
I know this jacket, thought Brian. It belongs to Finikin.
Soon, Brian came to a small room at the end of the passage. Aunt
Sarah was in the room. Her face and hands were black with smoke
and her clothes were burned.
Are you Ok, Aunt Sarah? asked Brian.
Oh, yes, Im fine, said Sarah. Im so sorry, dear. I nearly burned the
house down again!
What happened? asked Brian.
I was in the passage and the candle fell from my hand, said Sarah. A
fire started and I couldnt move. But Finikin arrived in time to save
me. Dear Finikin! He always knows when Im in trouble. He brought a
wet blanket and extinguished the fire. Hes a wonderful friend!
There were a lot of paintings in the small room. They were views of
the island from the house. A small man with a grey beard and a green
jacket appeared in some of the paintings.
Thats Finikin! said Brian. Did you paint these, Aunt Sarah?
Yes, I did, said Sarah, proudly. Do you like them?
Theyre incredible, said Brian. You must show them to Dad. He buys
and sells paintings.
17

Clive and Mary were in the living room with Mr Jackson, the lawyer
and the estate agent. Im sorry, but weve decided not to sell the
house to you, Clive said.
Mr Jackson was very angry. But you cant do that. You must sell! he
said. A promise is a promise!
But we didnt promise you anything, said Clive. The islanders dont
want tourists on Kilmarny Island. You heard them yesterday in the
pub. We cant sell the house to you.
Mr Jacksons face was very red. He took his hat and coat and walked
out of the house angrily. The estate agent and the lawyer followed
him.

11
Sarahs Paintings
Suddenly, Clives phone rang. It was an artist from London. What?
The paintings arent ready yet? Clive shouted angrily. But the
exhibition is next week! You never have anything ready on time!
He switched off the phone. Some artists are so unreliable! he said to
his wife. They never keep their promises.
Suddenly, Mary smelt smoke. Is something burning? she said. Lets
look upstairs. They ran up the stairs to Brians room. The cupboard
door was open and they saw the secret passage in it.
The secret passage! said Mary. So its here! My mother once told me
about it, but I could never find it!
They ran into the passage and found Brian and Sarah in the room at
the end of it.
Are you OK? asked Mary. Why do you disappear to this place, Aunt
Sarah? And whats that smell? What happened? Did you start another
fire?
Brian tried to calm his mother. Its OK, Mum, he said. Theres no fire
anymore.
Then Clive noticed the paintings. Who did these? he asked Sarah.
The artists name isnt on them.
Theyre Aunt Sarahs, Brian said. She painted them.
Really? said Clive, amazed. Theyre good. Very good! Youre a real
artist, Aunt Sarah!
18

Mary looked at a painting of a young girl with a yellow dress and a

flower in her hair. She couldnt believe it!
Thats me when I was a child! she said, surprised. I didnt know you
could paint, Aunt Sarah. Do you want to sell some of your paintings?
Clive can put them in his exhibition.
Can I make enough money to repair the house? asked Aunt Sarah.
I dont think so, said Clive. But we can try.
The family left the smoky room through another passage. It ended in
another cupboard at the back of the hall. Craglee House was certainly
a very interesting place!
*

On Saturday morning, the Parkers were ready to meet Jimmy and go

to Puck Fair. They took the ferry to the harbour on the mainland.
Jimmy was waiting for them with his horse and cart to take them to
Killorglin. There were a lot of cars on the roads. They were all going to
Puck Fair it was obviously a very popular event.
At the fair there were horse rides, games and concerts. People were
selling food, clothes and souvenirs. While Clive was sitting at a table,
drinking a glass of beer, Mary went to look at the souvenirs. She
found a box full of miniature figures and tried to find one for her
bracelet. But none of them were the right size. Brian went on a horse
ride around the village. When he returned, there was a lot of
excitement. It was time to put the crown on the Goat King of
Killorglin.
Jimmy walked proudly through the crowd with his goat. Jimmy pulled
it onto a platform but the animal wasnt at all happy about this
important ceremony. Everybody watched in silence as a man with a
suit came onto the platform. He was carrying a gold crown. The man
lifted the crown slowly and put it on the goats head. Suddenly,
everybody started to applaud and shout. Long Live the King of
Killorglin! The ceremony was over and Killorglin had a new goat king.
Jimmy couldnt stop smiling!
There was a lot of dancing, music and noise. Then Jimmy took the
King of Killorglin home, and drove the Parkers to the harbour on his
horse and cart. They got on the last ferry to Kilmarny Island.
The Parkers were beginning to enjoy their stay in Ireland. Clive and
Mary went for a lot of walks on the beach. They enjoyed the peace
and tranquillity and Clive decided to switch off his phone and relax.
Brian was happy, too. He met some boys on the island and they lent
him a fishing rod. They showed him the best places to catch fish, and
Mary cooked the fish for dinner.

19

In the evenings, the family went to the pub. Mary loved the Irish
dancing and she learned some new dance steps every night. On
Saturday night, there was a dance competition, and Mary won! She
was very proud.
Slowly, the Parkers were falling in love with Kilmarny Island. London
seemed like a different planet to them.

12
Moving to Ireland
The Parkers still tried to sell Aunt Sarahs house. But every time Clive
put a FOR SALE sign on the house, somebody came and took it down.
They couldnt understand it. Do you think Aunt Sarah is taking the
signs down? Clive asked his wife. No, theyre too high, said Mary.
Sarahs frightened of high places.
Of course, Brian knew who was really responsible it was Finikin. He
knew Aunt Sarah must stay in her house.
Clive returned to England to organise his art exhibition and he took
home some of Aunt Sarahs best paintings with him, and returned a
week later with some very good news. Your paintings were a great
success! he told Sarah. An art collector wants to buy them for
30,000, and he wants more.
Aunt Sarah was very happy. That will pay for the builders to start
work on the house, she said. Now I dont have to leave!
Yes, its a start, said Clive. And you can make more money at the
next exhibition. Then you can put electricity and a modern bathroom
in the house, too. We can get you a TV.
Ill have everything I need then, Sarah said. Please stay here, too.
Ill be very lonely when you leave.
Im sorry, we cant stay, Aunt Sarah, said Mary. Clive and I must
return to work, and Brian has got school. He misses his friends and his
sports club.
Clive didnt put any more FOR SALE signs up in the garden and
builders came to start work on the house. Mary advertised for a new
housekeeper, but nobody was interested.
What are we going to do? Mary asked her husband. We cant leave
Sarah alone.
Cant we stay on the island and take care of Aunt Sarah? asked
Brian. I want to live here.

20

Mary and Clive looked at each other. Well Im tired of the traffic in
London, said Clive. And with Internet and e-mail, I can do my work
from here. What do you think, Mary?
Well, therell be electricity and two bathrooms in the house soon,
said Mary. And maybe I can get a teaching job in the school in
Killorglin.
Im starting to make some friends here, said Brian. All I need now is
my computer and TV and all my discs.
OK. Well tell Sarah, said Clive. Then Ill go to London to prepare
everything.
You know, Clive, said Mary. I really think were doing the right thing.
Sarah was very happy about the Parkers decision. The builders
finished the work on the house, and they moved all their things into it.
Brian started to go to the secondary school in Killorglin, and Mary got
a job at the same school. Sarah felt safer with the Parkers there. She
started to go outside to paint, and she was very happy with her new
paintings.
Clive was very happy, too. He travelled to London once a month to
sell Sarahs paintings.
And what about Finikin? Well, Brian never saw him again. His work
was over. Aunt Sarah didnt need anybody to protect her any more
she had her family with her now. But Finikin was very grateful to the
Parkers for helping his friend. So one morning, Mary found a beautiful
new figure on her bracelet. It was a miniature leprechaun with a long,
grey beard and it fitted perfectly on her bracelet!
And when Brian opened the cupboard in his room, he found a
beautiful fishing rod, with a message on it: Leprechauns always keep
their promises.
Wow my own fishing rod, he said. Thats the only thing I didnt
have. Thanks, Finikin, you really did keep your promise!

21

22