The Amphiblets by Helen Oghenegweke Read Free Book Online Page B

thing. Long thin, sticky tongues appeared from their mouths, moving with lightning speed. They each caught one of the flies and swallowed them whole.
    There were gasps in the audience, followed by murmurs of excited conversation. Several hands shot up in the air, their owners eager to speak.
    ‘I know you must have many questions but please save them for later,’ said the Professor. The hands were lowered again. ‘Next I would like to demonstrate to you their uncanny ability to predict the weather. They can give an accurate reading for any day in the week ahead. Would anyone care to know what the weather will be like in this region during the coming week?’
    More hands shot up. The Professor chose a man seated in the front row, wearing a waistcoat with a pocket watch on the end of a long chain.
    In a refined voice he said,’ Yes, I would like to know what the weather will be like in this district on Thursday evening at precisely two minutes past four.’
    There was laughter in the crowd.
    ‘Two minutes past four,’ someone shouted. ‘Are you sure it’s not three minutes past four?’
    This caused more amusement. As the laughter died down the boys turned to one another, wondering who should respond, since they all knew the answer.
    It was Will who spoke. ‘It will be a rather warm evening although it will rain at four forty-five.’
    ‘But of course we only have your word to go on,’ said the man.
    ‘Take note of what the child says and see for yourself,’ said the Professor, grinning broadly. ‘Anyone else have a request?’
    This time the Professor singled out a woman wearing red-framed glasses and with her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. ‘I’m going to a wedding on Saturday. Could you tell me what the day will be like, say, from eleven to three?’
    This time Riley answered the question. ‘It will generally be fine but there will be a heavy shower for about fifteen minutes starting at twelve midday. After that the sun will shine and things will soon dry out.’
    ‘I was told that it would be fine all day,’ challenged the woman, making it clear she doubted Riley’s prediction.
    ‘And how often do the weather forecasters get it right?’ laughed the Professor. ‘If I were you, I’d take my umbrella. Ever since the children have been predicting the weather, they have never once got it wrong!’
    There was further chatter until the Professor began speaking once more.
    ‘And now for the third demonstration. The children will step from the stage to lie on the grass over there,’ said the Professor, pointing to an area towards the back of the marquee.
    The announcement caused widespread puzzlement as the guests wondered what would happen next. The children followed Hugo down the aisle through the audience. The giant’s presence was reassuring to the triplets. As they made their way, the Professor’s voice boomed over the speakers.
    ‘The children often love to play a game that you have probably heard of before – hide and seek.’
    There was laughter and nodding again from the crowd.
    ‘But their game of hide and seek is very different to the one we grew up playing. Let them show you. Ed, please step forward and turn away from your brothers. I want you to count to ten while your brothers hide.’
    Ed did as he was told and began to count. ‘One … two.’
    As he did so, the audience was astonished when the two other boys appeared to vanish in front of their eyes. Only their swimming trunks remained visible.
    The crowd gasped in awe.
    ‘Nine … ten,’ said Ed. ‘I’m coming – ready or not.’
    Ed turned round and laughed. ‘I can see them.’ He marched straight ahead and secured a grip on his brothers’ arms. As they stepped away from their surroundings it was apparent that their skin could camouflage itself with their background. In less than two seconds they reverted to normal. 
    ‘It’s unbelievable!’ came the whispers.
    ‘Incredible!’
    ‘Magnificent!’
    The fourth