Something happened just then, however, that changed everything.
A loud knock came at the door, followed by a voice.
"It's the Police, , we've got some questions for you."
Uncle Claude's face was grey. It seemed that he had not expected visitors, especially after he had just magically disabled his only sister.
Claude looked to Mark.
"Go pack everything you need. Only what you need, though. Quick!" Claude then put on a high, sticky-sweet voice. "Coming!"
Mark dashed off to his room. Amid a false, shouted conversation between his uncle and the police ("Oh, these hair curlers!" "We don't care Mrs. Williams, we just want to talk to you about the rent you charge!") he asked himself questions. Would he need his Nintendo? No, he would live without Mario and Luigi somehow. What about books? No, they had a reading list at Winnowridge,and he didn't know how much spare time he would have. A sweater? No, the day was hot and it didn't feel like it would get much colder 'till much much later. He ran back to the living room.
"Got everything, Mark?"
He nodded mutely.
Uncle Claude took his hand and lead him to the window. He waved the stick behind him, and whispered "Then let's go!" and jumped out the window, taking Mark with him.