Ch3-The Saints

CHAPTER THREE The Saints When they reached the monastery, the monks lowered the two stretchers to the ground. They helped Jack and Annie to their feet and then led them up a short flight of steps to a big wooden door. "You okay?" Jack asked Annie. "Yes," she said. "You?" "Just cold," Jack said, shivering.

One monk rang a large bell outside the door. Another handed Jack his leather bag. "We found this beside you," the man said. "Oh, thanks," said Jack. He'd forgotten all about the bag. Someone inside pulled open the door. Jack and Annie limped into a torchlit hallway with a vaulted ceiling and a wide staircase. The monks and three dogs followed. The monks lifted their hoods, revealing friendly faces. For the first time, Jack got a good look at the huge, panting dogs. They were Saint Bernards with white and reddish-brown fur. They had powerful heads, square muzzles, and drooping jowls. As the monks who had rescued Jack and Annie went down the hall with the dogs, two other monks stepped forward. They both wore dark robes and round black caps. "Welcome," one said in a deep, warm voice. He was a large man with a rugged face. "I am Father Laurent, the head of the monastery." "And I am Brother Michael," said the other monk. He was not much taller than Jack, and his

face was smooth and rosy. "We're Jack and Annie," Jack said hoarsely. He still didn't have his full voice. "Thanks for saving us," said Annie. "We were happy to do so," said Father Laurent. "You must come and sit by the fire in the parlor to warm yourselves and dry your clothes. Brother Michael will take you there while I ask our cook to warm some soup for you." "Thanks," said Annie. "That sounds great." Jack nodded. He wanted to lie down, but at the same time he was hungry and cold. "Come with me," said Brother Michael. "Are you able to walk on your own?" "Sure," said Jack. Jack and Annie could walk without help, but they both limped a little as they followed Brother Michael down the hall into the dimly lit parlor. The three Saint Bernards were resting in front of a huge fireplace. "Wow," breathed Annie. The dogs barely looked up. "Please, sit by the fire," said Brother Michael. Jack and Annie sat on wooden chairs and stared in a daze at the crackling fire. A moment later,

Father Laurent came into the room and handed them bowls of steaming soup. The two monks waited as Jack and Annie drank the hot broth. By the time they had emptied their bowls, Jack was feeling much better. The hot liquid had warmed his insides, and the heat from the fire had nearly dried his clothes. "Thank you. I feel a lot better now," Annie said to the two monks. "You must stay here and rest for the night," said Father Laurent. "You can continue your journey in the morning when you are rested." "Thank you," said Jack. The monk looked at them curiously. "You must be very brave to try to travel the pass in the dark," he said. "Or not very smart," Annie said. Father Laurent smiled. "Yes, but I did not want to say that," he said. "No kidding; we were looking for flowers!" said Annie. "Goodness," said Brother Michael. "I am afraid you've come to the wrong place to pick flowers."

Both monks chuckled, and Annie laughed with them. Jack could barely smile—he was worried. I knew we came to the wrong place! he thought. "Now tell me, why were you really traveling on the pass?" asked Father Laurent. "Well… um… actually, we're on a mission," said Jack. "Indeed?" said Brother Michael. "Yes… we… um…," Jack said. "We're on a mission to learn more about the Alps," said Annie. "That's right," said Jack. "We're doing a report." "But you are very young," said Brother Michael.

"We are young," said Annie. "But we are serious researchers. In fact, we recently went to India and studied the Taj Mahal. It's amazingly beautiful. Have you ever seen it?" "Uh, no, we haven't," said Brother Michael. He seemed a little surprised, but Father Laurent only smiled. Before either monk could say any more, Annie continued, "I have some questions right now about these mountain dogs. Jack, get out your notebook." Jack reached into his bag and took out his pencil and notebook.