The Skull of Truth: A Magic Shop Book by Bruce Coville and Gary A. Lippincott To his astonishment, Charlie found himself standing next to his bicycle, back where he had entered the swamp. That was bizarre and upsetting�but not as bad as the realization that he was still holding the skull. He thought he had dropped it before he raced out the door. He certainly hadn't intended to steal the thing. He didn't even really want it!