The Hidden Beast by Christopher Pike Read Free Book Online

search for another exit. We have to drink the water and hope it’s OK.”
    â€œCould there be another way out? Or in? Won’t the others stay and search for another entrance?”
    â€œOf course there could be another entrance, but it will be easier for us to find it than for the others to search the whole mountain looking for it. They should come to that same conclusion. That’s why I’m sure they’ll head back.”
    Cindy groaned as she glanced at the stone wall. There was no sign that there had ever been a door there.
    â€œThis reminds me of the time we were trapped in the Haunted Cave,” she said.
    â€œAnd you escaped from there.”
    Cindy smiled. “Yeah. After almost getting killed a few times.” She paused. “Do you think that beast has been asleep for thousands of years?”
    â€œIt’s hard to imagine that any creature could sleep that long. It’s possible that it wakes up from time to time and stretches and goes for a swim.”
    â€œAnd checks on its treasure?” Cindy asked.
    Watch nodded gravely. “I wish Leah hadn’t taken the two crystals. I wish Sally hadn’t even touched the remaining two.” He stood and offered her his hand. “Come on, we can talk ourselves to death. We’ll feel better when we’re doing something.”
    They started back down the steps. But they moved slowly. They were thirsty and tired, and despite Watch’s encouraging words, a blanket of gloom hung over them. At least the tunnel was wide enough so that they could walk together, and give each other physical as well as mental support. Although neither of them said it outloud, both continued to strain with their ears, hoping that the door would suddenly open somehow and free them.
    After a time they reached the dark pool and kneeled beside it with their empty water bottles. In the light of their only flashlight, there was no mistaking Cindy’s reluctance.
    â€œIt could be poisoned,” she said.
    â€œThere’s no reason to think it is. If the beast who lives here drinks from this pool, it would need fresh water.” He touched it with his hand and raised his damp fingers to his lips. He licked them. “It seems all right.”
    â€œSally said it had a slight smell?”
    Watch sniffed at his hands. “It does but it’s a nice smell. To tell you the truth, this water tastes better than the stuff we have in town.” He paused. “But if it would make you feel better, I’ll drink first and you can wait for a few minutes and see if my face melts off or an alien monster jumps out of my guts.”
    Cindy laughed softly. “I am actually more worried that the water will turn you into an alien monster.”
    Watch smiled. “I suffered that fate long ago,didn’t you know? That’s why my family all moved away. They were afraid I wasn’t human.”
    Cindy heard the pain in his voice even while he was trying to make a joke. She reached out and touched his hand.
    â€œWhy did they all move away?” she asked gently.
    He just smiled again, but looked away.
    â€œWell, you know Spooksville,” he said. “It’s a dangerous place.”
    â€œWatch, tell me, if you can.”
    He lowered his head. “I can’t tell you now, Cindy. But maybe another time. Would that be all right?”
    She leaned over and hugged him. “Sure. I just worry about you is all.”
    He looked up. “Really?”
    â€œYeah. Why do you sound surprised?”
    He shrugged, although it was clear he was embarrassed.
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “I’ve just never had anyone who worried about me before.”
    â€œThat’s because you never had friends like us before,” Cindy said seriously. “And I’m sorry if Iwas prying. I only ask because I worry that you’re sad sometimes, you know, and you might feel that you have no one to talk to about it. What I