Fresh from her bath, ten year old Shelly sat by Auntie Flo who was visiting from “Around the Bay” as the people of St. John’s referred to the outports. Auntie Flo who had no children and enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, smiled warmly at her. Suddenly she noticed that the back of Shelly’s hands were covered in warts and her smile quickly turned to a frown. “Ida”, she called to her sister, “I didn’t see those warts on Shelly’s hands before”. “I know Flo” replied her sister, “Jason has them too” referring to Shelly’s younger brother who was now in the tub. “Well tell Jason to come here when he’s finished his bath, I intent to do something about this”. Ida looked at her sister, “Now Flo, don’t tell me you still believe in charms, and I didn’t think you knew anything about that stuff anyway”. “ Never mind that now Ida, just send Jason to me, and Shelly – get me some facial tissue please”. Shelly ran to get the tissue, excited now about what her aunt was planning to do. Soon Jason too was there and auntie Flo was saying “Jason, we’re going to see what we can do about those warts you and Shelley have on your hands“.

Jason, being several years younger than Shelly just stared wide eyed at his aunt. Smiling his aunt gave each of them some tissue. “ I want each of you to cough and get some spittle into that tissue, then you must put it into the stove and watch it burn”. This was exciting and Jason was looking at his aunt with awe. “ When you’ve done that” she said, “come and sit by me”. The children quickly complied and were soon sitting on either side of auntie Flo. “Now” continued their aunt, “you must stare at those warts for ten minutes, I’ll tell you when you can look away“. After a couple of minutes, Shelly was getting bored and asked how much longer. “ Keep looking at those warts” warned auntie Flo, “It’s only been two minutes yet“. After what seemed like hours, auntie Flo finally told them that the ten minutes had passed and they could now look up. By now it was time for bed, so with goodnight kisses all around the kids hurried up the stairs. The next day things returned to their normal routine and everyone forgot about the warts, all that is except auntie Flo. As she was preparing to return home just over a week later, she asked both Shelly and Jason to show her their hands. All of the warts had mysteriously disappeared, never to return!