Ходячий замок

           Calciferkeptbobbingupandpeepingather,andgoingdownagainunderhislogs.

           Howlcameoutofthebathroomwithhissuitglossyblack,hishairglossywhite,inacloudofsteamsmellingofgentians.“Imaybebackquitelate,”hesaidtoMichael.“It’sgoingtobeMidsummerDayaftermidnight,andtheWitchmaywelltrysomething.Sokeepallthedefensesup,andrememberallItoldyou,please.”

           “Allright,”Michaelsaid,puttingthesteamingremainsoftheraginthesink.

           HowlturnedtoPercival.“IthinkIknowwhat’shappenedtoyou,”hesaid.“It’sgoingtobeafairjobsortingyouout,butI’llhaveagotomorrowafterIgetback.”Howlwenttothedoorandstoppedwiththishandstillontheknob.“Sophie,areyoustillnottalkingtome?”heaskedmiserably.

           SophieknewHowlcouldsoundunhappyinheavenifitsuitedhim.AndhehadjustusedhertogetinformationoutofPercival.“No!”shesnarled.

           Howlsighedandwentout.Sophielookedupandsawthattheknobwaspointingblack-down.Thatdoesit!shethought.Idon’tcareifitisMidsummerDaytomorrow!I’mleaving.