“No one seems to be around,” he said in disappointment.
“Yes, there is!” Penny corrected.
Just then she caught a fleeting glimpse of a face at the tiny circular window of the gatehouse. She was convinced it was Winkey, who for some reason, intended to ignore their presence at the gate.
“Let us in!” she called.
“Open up!” shouted Mr. Ayling.
Still there was no rustle of life from the gatehouse.
“Disgusting!” Penny muttered. “I know Winkey is watching us! He’s only being contrary!”
Mr. Ayling’s angular jaw tightened. “In that case,” he said, “we’ll have to get in the best way we can. I’ll climb over the fence.”
The words purposely were spoken loudly enough to be overheard in the gatehouse. Before the investigator could carry out his threat, the door of the circular, stone building swung back. Winkey, the hunchback, sauntered leisurely out.
“Want somethin’?” he inquired.