First testing the door again to be certain it was locked and not stuck, she pounded with her fists on the heavy oak paneling.
“Let us out!” Louise called loudly. “Let us out! We’re locked in!”
“That ought to fetch someone!” chuckled Penny. “Listen! I think I hear footsteps now.”
From down the corridor, the girls detected a soft patter and a creaking of boards. To attract attention to their plight, they again pounded on the oaken panel.
The footsteps approached the door and halted. Penny, her ear pressed to the panel, could hear the sound of breathing on the other side.
“Let us out!” she called. “We’re locked in here!”
“Sh!” came the loud hiss.
“It must be Old Julia!” Penny whispered to Louise. “Do you suppose she’ll have sense enough to help us?”
“I doubt it,” Louise muttered, resigning herself to a long wait in the monk’s study. “Maybe we can get across to her the idea that she should bring Father Benedict here.”
“Listen, Julia,” Penny began, speaking slowly and as clearly as she could. “We’re locked in here and we need help. Can you bring your master?”