Ходячий замок

           PoorCalciferrolledhelplesslyonthefloor,flamingsidewaysacrosstheflagstonesandroaringhuskilywithterror.MissAngorianraisedafoottostamponhim.SophiehadtoletgoofherstickanddivetorescueCalcifer.Herstick,tohersurprise,hitMissAngorianagainonitsown,andagain,andagain.Butofcourseitwould!Sophiethought.Shehadtalkedlifeintothatstick.Mrs.Pentstemmonhadtoldherso.

           MissAngorianhissedandstaggered.SophiestoodupholdingCalcifer,tofindherstickdrubbingawayatMissAngorianandsmokingwiththeheatofher.Bycontrast,Calciferdidnotseemveryhot.Hewasmilkybluewithshock.SophiecouldfeelthatthedarklumpofHowl’sheartwasonlybeatingveryfaintlybetweenherfingers.IthadtobeHowl’sheartshewasholding.HehadgivenitawaytoCalciferaspartofhiscontract,tokeepCalciferalive.HemusthavebeenverysorryforCalcifer,but,allthesame,whatasillythingtodo!

           FannyandMrs.Fairfaxhurriedthroughthedoorfromthestairs,carryingbrooms.ThesightofthemseemedtoconvinceMissAngorianthatshehadfailed.Sheranforthedoor,withSophie’sstickhoveringoverher,stillcloutingather.

           “Stopher!”Sophieshouted.“Don’tlethergetout!Guardallthedoors!”

           Everyoneracedtoobey.Mrs.Fairfaxputherselfinthebroomcupboardwithherbroomraised.Fannystoodonthestairs.LettiejumpedupandguardedthedoortotheyardandMarthastoodbythebathroom.Michaelranforthecastledoor.ButPercivalleapedupoffthebedandranforthedoortoo.