“It gives me the shivers to go near the property. Anyhow, that old hunchback never will let us inside!”
“Why don’t we try, just for luck? Come on, Lou, at least we can talk to him.”
Much against her will, Louise was induced to accompany Penny to the big grilled gate.
To their surprise, it stood slightly ajar as if in invitation for them to enter. The front grounds were deserted and so was the gatehouse.
“We’re in luck!” chuckled Penny. “Winkey’s gone off somewhere.”
Louise’s feet were reluctant as she followed her chum to the entrance door of the monastery. “Please—” she whispered, but already Penny had thumped the lion’s head knocker against the brass plate.
Several moments elapsed and then a peephole panel just above their heads shot open. Old Julia, in white lace cap, her eyes dilated with wonder or fear, peered out at them.
Her lips moved in a gibberish they could not understand.
“She’s telling us to go away!” Louise decided quickly. “And that’s what we’re doing!”
“No! Wait!” Penny held tight to her chum’s arm. “Someone else is coming now.”