Chapter 15

Dog Toilet

On Monday, Mario arrived at school early. Art was already watering the plants for Mrs. T. He was plant monitor this week. ‘Got a present for you, India.’

Marui gave her a small package wrapped in blue fancy paper.

‘Thanks Mars Bar. What’s this for? It isn’t my birthday.’

Carefully India unwrapped the paper. She stared at the tiny, see-through package. ‘What is it?’

‘Read the label,’ suggested Mario trying not to laugh.

‘Anti-snoring nose plug!’

‘So you won’t snore at the school camp next term.’

‘Thanks a lot! Where did you get this?’

‘At the chemist. It was on special. Usually cost $30 .Must be lots of snorers around.’

A few weeks later, things had settled down.

One morning, Mrs. Tasker came into the classroom with a big smile on her face.

‘Congratulations India,’ said Mrs. Tasker.

‘What for?’ India looked up from her book.

‘This letter is about the Earthworm Environmental Award. This year it is given for studies of domestic garbage and recycling. You’ve won it.’

‘But I didn’t enter,’ India was puzzled. ‘How could I win if I didn’t have an entry?’

‘Was it for her dog toilet?’ asked Mario.

‘It has a fancier name,’ said Mrs. Tasker. ‘But, yes.’

Art looked up. ‘I did it. I just took a photocopy of your science assignment.’

That way he didn’t have to write anything. And India’s name was already on the sheet.

‘Thanks Art. That was terrific of you,’ India was really pleased.

He hoped she’d remember that the next time he needed something read. ‘You owe me a couple of dollars for the photocopies.’