The Monsters of Morley Manor Read Online Free PDF

way for ussss to return to our proper ssssizzzze,” hissed the snakes on Melisande’s head, writhing in agitation.
    â€œThe only way?” I asked nervously.
    â€œAbsolutely,” said Gaspar. He sounded desperate. “Everything we need is in my laboratory—not only the scientific equipment but also the ingredients for my spells.”
    â€œYou use science
and
magic?” asked Sarah.
    â€œVy does that surprise you?” asked Ludmilla, showing her fangs.
    Sarah shrugged “I don’t know. It just seems weird.”
    â€œSarah’s right,” I said, which were words I almost never spoke. “In the movies they always use either science
or
magic to do stuff, but not both.”
    Gaspar sighed, as if it was an old argument. “That represents a small-minded view of the world,” he said. “But then, people always do like to put things in little boxes.”
    I didn’t mention that
he
had been in a little box when I found him.
    â€œIt’s like thinking that an artist should either paint pictures or make statues, but not both,” he continued. “But what law says you can’t combine things? After all, the ancient Greeks used to paint their statues.”
    I looked at him in surprise. “Are you positive about that? I’ve seen pictures of those statues. They sure didn’t look painted to me.”
    â€œIt wore off,” snapped Gaspar. His tongue flicked over his sharp little teeth, giving him a dangerous look.
    I decided not to argue.
    â€œThe point is,” he said, a little more calmly, “you should not limit your possibilities.”
    â€œActually, boss,” put in Albert, “the main point right now is that we have to get back to Morley Manor if we’re ever going to get unshrunk.”
    Gaspar put a hand on Albert’s nonhumpy shoulder. “You are correct, as usual, old friend.”
    I glanced uneasily at Sarah, then said, “I’m afraid there’s a small problem.”
    â€œOf course there’s a problem,” said Gaspar wearily. “This is life. There’s
always
a problem. Well, what is it this time?”
    When Sarah blurted out the answer—“They’re going to start tearing down Morley Manor tomorrow morning!”—all five little monsters began to carry on something awful. Melisande’s snakes had a hissy fit. Ludmilla turned into an inch-long bat and fluttered around like a moth at a candle. Gaspar put his arm to his brow like some tragic hero. “O grim and unrelenting world!” he cried, tipping back his head. “That a man’s home should be so easily wrenched from his grasp. Does evil never take a holiday? Does sorrow never cease its sordid work?”
    â€œDon’t worry, boss, you’ll think of something,” said Albert. At the same time, Bob howled a tiny, piteous howl.
    â€œOh, stop!” said Sarah at last. “If it’s that important, we’ll take you back tonight.”
    â€œWe will?” I asked in surprise.
    â€œWe
have
to, Anthony,” said Sarah, her voice urgent. “They need our help.”
    I realized she was right. Tonight was the last chance the monsters would have to get back to their regular size.
    On the other hand, I wasn’t sure that having them get big again was such a good idea. Did we really want five full-size monsters running around Owl’s Roost?
    As if he had read my mind, Gaspar said, “Not only is it the only way for us to return to our regular size, it is the only way for us to return home and—what is the phrase?—get out of your hair.”
    Melisande’s snakes hissed in agreement.
    This confused me. “I thought this was where you lived. I mean, here in Owl’s Roost. Or do you mean back to your own time?”
    â€œOur other home,” hissed Melisande’s snakes. “Beyond the Sssstarry Door.”
    â€œWhat’s the Starry Door?” asked