Out of Time (14 page)

‘It's finished,' James said.

The man looked away, around the store, shaking his head. ‘I don't think I want to know about this,' he muttered. ‘Not in my last week. What do you mean “It's finished?” ' He waited but James did not answer. ‘Look,' he said at last, ‘I'll check it anyway. . . That can't do any harm.' He took it to a large tank-like container at the side of the room, undid three heavy latches, placed it inside, and sealed the tank again. He used a wheel to spin it shut. Various whirring noises were emitted by the machinery. The man stood there looking at a panel of gauges and dials. ‘You're right,' he said at last, flatly. He unsealed the tank and brought the little cube back to James, placing it on the counter between them. ‘It's impossible but you're right.'

‘I think I've got this figured out,' he said quietly. ‘Mr Woodforde. You used to hang round there a lot. That
old bugger must have actually brought it to the production stage. God knows where or how. It couldn't have been in that lab. The old devil. He was always telling me he was going to win a Nobel Prize.' He laughed. James was transfixed. ‘I'm not sure how much I want to know,' the man continued. ‘I'm leaving next week. Me and my girlfriend are sailing away in our boat. Around the islands.' He paused again, then drew breath and asked the critical question.

‘Who used up all the energy in this thing?' he asked. ‘You or Mr Woodforde? And what on?'

The boy took refuge in the time-honoured line of all children, and many adults.

‘I don't know,' he said.

The man sighed. ‘I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed,' he confessed. ‘Relieved, I think.' He shrugged. ‘Well, what are we going to do with it? Do you want me to get rid of it? If they know you've got one they'll never leave you alone. They'll pressure you till you're coming apart at the seams. And if they think I even know these little varmints exist they'll never let me leave. I know you can keep a secret. And I know I can. And I also know how to dispose of it safely. Wanna leave it with me?'

‘OK,' James said equably. He started towards the door.

‘Been nice talking to you,' the man said softly. ‘Been. . . nice talking to you.

John Marsden
The Journey

By the author of
So Much To Tell You, The Journey
is a story of young people in a world so different and yet so like our own. It is a world in which young people must undertake a journey of discovery on their way to becoming adults.

Argus sets out on his journey away from his valley and his parents, never knowing what adventure will befall him next. He learns how to survive in the wild until he meets up with a travelling fair which he joins, becoming the friend of Mayon the storyteller, of Lavolta and Parara – twins who share the same body – and many others.

But it is with the sweet and wise Temora that he learns some of the deepest secrets.

All journeys must find an end. Argus leaves the fair and travels on alone, until his last and greatest adventure beckons him home. There he tells, for the approval of his elders, the seven stories which are now his story. But all is not done.

There is one more chapter to be lived out in the story of Argus.

‘. . . an extraordinary book. . . I would commend it to everybody. Although ostensibly it's a children's book it's something that any adult can read with great pleasure. It's one of those books that don't actually belong to any particular age group. . . like
The Snow Goose.'
TERRY LANE, ABC RADIO

John Marsden
Letters from the Inside

Dear Tracey
I don't know why I'm answering your ad, to be honest.
It's not like I'm into pen pals, but it's a boring Sunday here, wet, everyone's out, and I thought it'd be something different. . .

Dear Mandy
Thanks for writing. You write so well, much better than me. I put the ad in for a joke, like a dare, and yours was the only good answer. . .

Two teenage girls. An innocent beginning to friendship. Two complete strangers who get to know each other a little better each time a letter is written and answered.

Mandy has a dog with no name, an older sister, a creepy brother, and some boy problems. Tracey has a horse, two dogs and a cat, an older sister and brother, and a great boyfriend. They both have hopes and fears. . . and secrets.

As Mandy and Tracey swap confidences and share the ups and downs of school, home and friends, they get to know every detail of each other's lives.

Or do they?

A powerful, compelling novel from the award-winning author of
So Much to Tell You.

John Marsden
Take My Word For It

You know what Tracey said to me after English today? She said: ‘The reason you've got no friends is that you don't tell anyone your problems'. . . I hate the way they tell everyone every single detail about themselves. . . If you ask me, it's dangerous. Once you start, you don't stop.

Strong, cold, private. . . this is Lisa, as seen by Marina in her journal,
So Much to Tell You.

But Lisa too keeps a journal. It's a record of her friends and family, her frustrations and successes, her thoughts and feelings. As page follows page, the real Lisa begins to emerge. Not always strong, not always private and certainly not cold.

If I could say what I wanted to, if I could bring it out of myself in words, this paper would be buried under the weight of it.

Take My Word For It
is Lisa's story and more. It's the story of Marina, a girl struggling to find her voice among the turmoil of life in a Year 9 dormitory. It's the story of Cathy, of Kate, of Sophie.

As in the best-selling
So Much to Tell You
, award-winning novelist John Marsden takes us into the world of young people trying to make sense of their lives.

Learn great new writing skills, with John Marsden

You are invited to spend a few days with John Marsden at one of Australia's most beautiful properties.

The Tye Estate is just 25 minutes from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, and is perfectly set up for writing camps and other activities.

Every school holidays, John takes writing and drama camps, where you can improve your skills, make new friends, expand your thinking, and have a huge heap of fun.

Accommodation is modern and comfortable; meals are far removed from the shepherd's pie they gave you at your last school camp, and supervision is by friendly and experienced staff.

Between the workshops with John, you can explore 850 acres of spectacular bush, looking out for rare and highly endangered species like Tiger Quolls and Powerful Owls, as well as koalas, platypuses, wedgetail eagles, kangaroos and wallabies.

Mountain bikes, bushwalking, orienteering, and a picnic at nearby Hanging Rock, are among the highlights of your memorable stay at the Tye Estate.

School groups in term time are also welcome.

For details, write to:

The Tye Estate
RMB 1250
ROMSEY
VICTORIA 3434

Or fax: (61) 03 54 270395
Phone: (61) 03 54 270384