Sea Monsters and Other Delicacies Read Online Free PDF

following the floating candle. “Professor, were you killed by a sea monster?” he asked.
    The candle was now drifting along the upper reading level.
    â€œDoes the venom extractor work?”
    Ulf watched as the candle flickered along the bookshelves.
    â€œWhere’s he going, Ulf?” Tiana called.
    Ulf followed the candle along the upper reading level. “Come and see, Tiana,” he whispered.
    The candle had stopped in front of a small black door.
    Tiana flew to Ulf’s shoulder. “What’s he doing?” she asked.
    Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Chapter 8
    ULF AND TIANA FOLLOWED THE CANDLE INTO A narrow gloomy corridor.
    â€œProfessor Farraway, where are you going?” Ulf asked.
    They were on the top floor of Farraway Hall. Nobody ever went to the top floor. It hadn’t been used in years.
    Tiana perched on Ulf’s shoulder. “My wings are getting dusty,” she complained.
    The candle floated along the corridor and Ulf followed it, pushing his way through a giant spider’s web. Tiana clung tightly to Ulf’s T-shirt, spitting andcoughing, pulling cobwebs from her face. “This is the last time I come upstairs with you,” she said.
    The candle turned a corner. In the darkness, Ulf trod in something slimy. It squished between his toes. “Ugh! House beast poo,” he said.
    Tiana flew up, glowing brightly, her sparkles illuminating the walls. A clawhammer beetle the size of a rat was scuttling across flaking paint. A colony of sabre-toothed bats was hanging from the ceiling.
    Tiana dived and hid in Ulf’s trouser pocket. “Tell me when it’s over,” she said.
    Ulf followed the candle, peering into shadowy rooms coming off the corridor. They were full of junk.
    The candle floated around another corner. In the darkness, Ulf could barely see. He crept slowly, feeling his way along the walls. He turned the corner and saw the candle hovering outside a doorway. The candle drifted lower, lighting the door handle.

    â€œUlf, let’s go,” Tiana whispered, darting out from his pocket.
    â€œWait. He’s showing us something.”
    Ulf turned the handle on the door. “It’s locked,” he said.
    â€œI don’t like it here,” Tiana said.
    Ulf looked at the candle. “Professor, how did you die?” he asked.
    Suddenly, the candle blew out.
    â€œProfessor?”
    In the darkness, Ulf felt an icy chill run through him. “Professor, where are you?”
    â€œI told you. He’s trying to spook us,” Tiana said, glowing softly. “Come on! Let’s get out of here.”
    Tiana flew along the corridor, lighting the way.
    Just then, from around the corner, Ulf heard the sound of footsteps and something being dragged up a flight of stairs. A faint yellow light appeared, shining on the end wall. It was getting brighter. The footsteps were getting louder.
    Tiana squealed and dived back into Ulf’s pocket.
    At the end of the corridor a figure appeared, holding a lantern. It was Captain Crab. He was dragging his sea chest by his hook.
    â€œWhat’s the matter with you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” the Captain said to Ulf.
    â€œCaptain Crab, what are you doing up here?” Ulf asked.
    â€œI’m going to my room. I’m staying the night.”
    Ulf watched as the Captain took a key from his pocket and dragged his wooden chest to the locked door.
    Captain Crab put the key in the lock, turned it and opened the door. “Well, don’t just stand there. Give me a hand with this, will you?” he asked, pointing to his chest on the floor.
    Ulf dragged the Captain’s chest into the room. By the light of the lantern he could see crates and boxes, and furniture draped with sheets. The room was crammed full with junk.
    The Captain placed his lantern on a table by the door and slipped the key back into his pocket.
    â€œWhere did you get that key from?” Ulf