Notes

274 p. Summary: Based in the not too distant future, this is Rorie's, 12, and her younger sister, 7, Elsie's story. The sisters live happily with their slightly eccentric parents - both inventors - and their pet chameleon, Arthur Clarkson. One ordinary morning, the parents set off to a meeting to sell their latest, and most exciting invention, but, mysteriously, they never arrive at their destination. Rorie and Elsie are put in the guardianship of their dour uncle and aunt - both of whom run a repressed and imposing boarding school - Pokerbute Hall. When the sisters can take no more of their cruel uncle and aunt and the torturously boring school, they make a bid for freedom and run away - in search of their parents - and discover that their adventure has only just begun.