10 The Midnight Stone

Chapter 10 The Midnight Stone For a moment, Adam and Sally just stared at the stone. "It's beautiful," sighed Sally. "It's almost midnight," realized Adam, in a panic. Clutching the stone, they ran to the staircase.

"Only two minutes left!" cried Sally. She stood on tiptoe and reached up to the urn. It was no good- she was far too short. As they searched for something to stand on, Mervin Midnight appeared on the stairs. We need help! "Do you want an acrobat?" he asked. "I'm training to be one."

"Can you put this stone in the urn for us?" asked Adam. I love a challenge! "Easy!" said Mervin, taking the stone. "I'll toss it up like a juggling ball. I'm very good at juggling." He threw the stone into the air... and nearly dropped it. "It's not a game!" said Sally, urgently. "Please hurry."

Just then, the first strike of midnight sounded. DONG! Instantly, a flash of lightning lit up the sky. DONG! What's happening? The second strike shattered a mirror on the wall.

DONG! went the third strike and a whirling wind swept through the corridor. Sally was horrified. "We're too late! The curse will claim another victim." DONG!

On the ninth stroke, a dark shadow appeared and came closer. Sally and Adam clung to each other. DONG! It was the creepy maid. She walked straight up to Mervin, grabbed the stone from his hand... and placed it in the urn. DONG! Just in time!