“Do less talking and more thinking!” snapped the monk. “I’ll take care of Rhoda and have the sapphire within fifteen minutes. She’s asleep by this time, I hope.”
“I looked in through the peephole a minute ago,” the hunchback informed. “Sleeping like a babe!”
“Good!” Father Benedict approved. His final order sent an icy chill down Penny’s spine. “Give me your lantern, Winkey. I’ll go below now and turn on the machinery.”
CHAPTER
21
SNATCHED FROM THE FLAMES
From beneath the dusty tarpaulin, Penny had listened tensely as Father Benedict and Winkey planned their escape.
She knew that by morning they would be in another state, beyond reach of Riverview police.
Fifteen minutes! The time was so short—too short for her to summon authorities even if she could reach a telephone.
And what of Rhoda in the chapel bedroom? Father Benedict had spoken of turning on machinery in the cellar! What machinery did he mean?
A great fear arose within Penny. Rhoda was in great danger! She must make every effort to save her—but how?
Father Benedict and his servant now were leaving the cloister, walking directly toward the canvas under which the girl huddled.