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Show - 163 - That night, as she lay in bed, trying to remain as quiet as possible knew so as not to disturb her sister, she that no matter how frightened she was there was no alternative for her. She must pursue this mystery to its final conclusion. Finally, the big clock in the hallway downstairs stuck halfway to midnight and she was certain that Maddie and Tom must be asleep by now. She glanced at Vicky, who was sleeping soundly, and stealthily pulled the blanket back away from her, slowly put her feet over the bed and gently lifted herself off. She crept to the bathroom and quickly removed her nightgown. She had' kept her undergarments and stcck'lngs on so that in a moment she was into a skirt and sweater. She put on a heavy coat and carried her low brogues in her hand. Then swiftly tied a handkierchief over her head and opened the door very slowly. In her hand she carried a flashlight. As she was about to step out of the door she heard Vicky's voice. "Well, what is it this time? Where are you going? Don't you know how late it is?" Vicky was sitting up straight in bed and a look of alarm was fast spreading over her features.: She leaned over and switched on the lamp on her night stand. Her instincts told her that something very serious Was about to happen. "Penny, stop this nonsence and tell me where you are going this late at night? Mama and Papa would have fits if they knew you were wandering outdoors alone in th* dark." She went on. Penny was devastated. All would be lost if she disobeyed Chang Lin's instructions, now. It had been excruciating to reach this point and then to be discovered. What should she do? She was in a quandary. Should she confide in Vicky and take her along and suffer the consequences with Chang Lin, or try to lie herself out of it. It was as if her sister read her thoughts because she said. |
