“I’m scared,” Vevi whispered. “Let’s get out of here!”
Connie nodded. Clinging together, she and Vevi started toward the hallway.
The corridor connected with another room, apparently a kitchen. But the girls had no desire to explore further. Their one thought was to leave this strange old house and be on their way.
As they reached the doorway opening into the hall, they stopped short.
At the outside door they saw the flash of clothing. A boy in blue jeans and a rough, cloth jacket turned toward them in a fleeting instant. He uttered a choked cry as if sharing their fright.
Then, he darted through the door and was gone.
“Wait!” Connie called impulsively. “Don’t run away!”
“We want to find out how to get to Starfish Cottage!” Vevi shouted. “Wait!”
But the boy did not turn back. Leaving the door wide open, he fled into the fog and quickly was swallowed by the gray mist.