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Show - 162 - and watch her walk down the little path toward the bridge that led to the truck gardens He saw her stop at the bridge and look up towards the bank at the big old Eucalyptus tree. Seated under it was the Chinese man that Tom remembered ever since he first worked at Gaven House. Penny walked over and sat down on the grass and he could see her talking intently to the old man. For some reason he sensed that this was not the time to intrude on their conversation so he turned and went back to the carriage house and proceeded to finish washing the automobile. Chang Lin greeted her with a small tight-lipped smile and spoke without any introductory words. "Tonight when the servant lady and her husband are asleep, no sooner," he cautioned. "Come to the truck gardens. It should be late, about 11:30, I would say, as all the coolies must be slumbering. I will caution them not to come outdoors, under no circumstances, as I do not want any interruptions. I will be waiting for you h=re..'" He arose from the ground and brushed the twigs and grass off his trousers and started to walk toward the bridge. He half turned and added. "Bring the ghost maiden with you. We cannot proceed without her presence. Remember, otherwise come alone!" No dther words were spoken between them. He crossed the bridge and walked toward the old house. Penny opened her mouth to further question him, but changed her mind. She knew that he would only ignore her. She was almost beside herself with anxiety for the rest of the day. What should she do? She was afraid to venture out into the darkness alone with Claudine, into the Eucalyptus Grove and down the hill to the bridge. Yet, she was afraid to confide in Vicky for fear of angering Chang Lin. Now she realized fully the abject terror that Maddie must have suffered the times she had to go out alone. Her better sense told her that she was treading on very dangerous ground. |
