“How about a little adventure?” she proposed. “And don’t ask for explanations.”
“Will we be home by ten o’clock? That’s the parental deadline.”
“Oh, yes, we’ll make it easily. Meet me at the corner of Carabel and Clinton Streets.”
Mrs. Weems was so engrossed in her book that she merely nodded as Penny explained that she and Louise were going for a walk. Reaching the appointed corner the girl found her chum awaiting her.
“Tell me about this so-called adventure,” she commanded. “Where are we going?”
“To the Celestial Temple, Lou. At least, we’ll look at it from the outside. Meetings are held there nearly every night at eight o’clock.”
“Penny, I don’t think I care to go.”
“Nonsense! The meetings are open to the public, aren’t they? We’ll have a very interesting time.”
“Oh, all right,” Louise consented reluctantly. “But I can’t understand why you’re so interested in the place.”
The girls took a bus to the end of the line, then walked three blocks until they came to Butternut Lane. For long stretches there were only scattered houses and the street lamps were far between. Becoming increasingly uneasy, Louise urged her chum to turn back.