The Cry at Midnight

YSTA

en arches along the winding road w

nny was quick to note that the big ornamental gate now

yling asked as he alighted and followed Penn

ght," the girl replied. "We ma

gazed hopefully toward the gatehouse. The door was sl

ed the gate chai

e around," he said

is!" Penny

cular window of the gatehouse. She was convinced it was Winkey, w

in!" she

shouted M

o rustle of life

"I know Winkey is watching u

t case," he said, "we'll have to get in the

e. Before the investigator could carry out his threat, the door of the circul

thin'?" he

trying to get in?"

busy fixin' the bell that connects with the

id Mr. Ayling. "Whe

sid

estigator ordered. "We're h

rapidly. He looked as if about

said crossly. "I'll let 'em

rtyard where a cluster of small and interesti

shelter used in very early days to h

y. The latter two buildings now were little more than he

d roof and tall hooded chimneys. However, front steps long since had fa

ering Penny his hand to help her across.

eaten but beautifully carved wooden doorway. Bef

, who wore a gray gown and whit

ured in a stage whi

a voice direct

cringed as a brown-robed mo

rlor, Julia," her master direc

ct," the woman mutt

rned apologetical

Her twisted mind causes her to believe that all persons wh

ng the two visitors. Though it was cold and windy on the door step, he did not hasten t

old chain which hung from his thin shoulders. "We have much clean

one of business, adding that he repre

with me later," the monk said, s

ed him. Deliberately he leaned against the ja

noyance. "May I inquire your busi

ce a client-Mrs. Na

ly I regret that I cannot help

," Mr. Ayling cut in. "She has a weaknes

his woman may have jo

the gene

added: "I greatly fear you have been led astray by loose

Penny said quickly. She slapped her mittened hands together. "My, it's co

ows. Plainly the request displeased him.

d. Such as it is, you are welcome." Bowing sl

themselves in a long, bar

please," b

d doorway cut in the thick wall, across a wind-swept pillared cloister and i

her furnishings included a large mahogany desk, a sofa, two easy chairs, and a cabinet

or, and similar hangings covered the windows. To Penny's astonis

ing gaze was a large crystal ball supp

Mr. Ayling exclaimed as he

y," replied the monk. He dismissed the subject with a shrug,

Mrs. Rosenthorne-" he remarked

ne," correcte

were under the misapprehension that she is i

traced Mrs. Hawthorne and her granddaughter to Riverview, and

ll are very humble people who have sworn to live a life of pover

uggested Penny. She stretched her cold fi

ict's lips curled in a superior s

escription Penny had hear

e," the monk said. "I regre

erview at an end. Somewhat reluctantly, Penny and her c

l said. Her gaze fastened admiringly upon a porcelain dec

sitors had arrived, Father Bene

of mine," he revealed. Crossing to

aid. "And here is a Byzantine amulet-priceless. The golden g

such treasures in the monas

ittered with a strange light. "I must co

ppose you can expect much polic

e. While he is on duty, no thief or unw

he investigator dryly. In walking toward the do

rests you?" in

ck in them," rejoined Mr. Ayling. "One can't actua

are to see f

e out of my line,"

ry it!" cried

the glass until the optic nerve of the eye becomes fatigued. As it ceas

optic nerve becomes paralyzed, it responds to the reflex action proceed

s sharp. "The ball accurately foretells the

it!" pleaded

hed an overhead light and touched a matc

en, he set the burning tapers at either side. Pen

way to announce that she had changed her

ball," he directed. "Gaze deep into the glass. D