The Second Horror by R. L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page B

stepped aside and let her in. Then he closed the door behind her. “Let me give you the grand tour. This is the dining room—” He showed her the dark dining room, with its low, stained ceiling. In one corner the faded wallpaper was peeling off. He pointed through a doorway and said, “There’s the kitchen.” Jinny peered into the kitchen, which was more cheerful. “Where are your parents?” she asked. “They went to a faculty tea in Waynesbridge,” Brandt told her. “My dad teaches at the community college.” “Cool,” Jinny said. He led Jinny across the hall. “This is the living room.” The couch, a coffee table, and two chain were surrounded by several half-unpacked cartons. Jinny walked over to the wall with Mr. McCloy’s collection of weapons and armor. “What is all this stuff?” she asked, lightly touching one of the darts. “My father is an expert on ancient rituals,” Brandt explained. “These are all things used in tribal warfare.” He pointed to a spear. “This is a really old spear that people used on the island in the Pacific where we lived,” he said. “And these darts”—he touched the end of a brightly painted feathered dart—“are really deadly. They were used with a blowgun. The people on the island would blow them into the necks of their enemies. Their aim was so good, they always hit the jugular.” He paused, then urged, “Feel how sharp it is.” Jinny gingerly touched the point of the dart. “Ouch,” she said, drawing back. “That suit of armor,” Brandt continued, “was also worn by the island warriors.” “Probably to protect themselves from the darts,” Jinny joked. Brandt watched as Jinny examined the armor. It was very heavy, made of iron, but securely fastened to the wall. The craftsman who made it had painted suns, moons, pyramids, and other symbols on the chestplate.
    “I guess we’d better get started on our project,” Jinny said, still eyeing the wall of weapons. “Let’s go up to my room,” Brandt suggested. “I’ve got all my books and things up there.” They climbed the stairs to Brandt’s room. Jinny sat at Brandt’s desk. Brandt leaned across the desk to get a notebook. Jinny tugged on the leather pouch he wore around his neck. “What’s this?” she asked. “Some kind of weird change purse?” Brandt tugged the pouch from her fingers. “It’s a good-luck charm,” he told her. “It saved my life once.” “How?” Brandt hesitated. Why had he told her that? He really didn’t feel like explaining it to her. He didn’t like to talk about it. “Never mind,” he said, flashing her a smile. “You’ll think I’m superstitious if I tell you.” “Whatever.” Jinny shrugged. Brandt picked up the chemistry textbook. “Have you read through the list of experiments?” he asked. Jinny nodded. “Which one do you want to do?” “I haven’t read the list yet,” Brandt admitted, scanning the page. “I’m kind of thirsty,” Jinny said. “Do you mind if I go downstairs and get something to drink while you read the list?” “No, go ahead,” Brandt replied. “There’s Coke and some other soda in the fridge.” “Do you want anything?” Jinny asked. “No, thanks.” He heard Jinny’s footsteps as she descended the stairs. She’s really awesome, he thought, his eyes blurring over the words in his chemistry book. Try to keep your mind on your book for five minutes, he scolded himself. She’ll be annoyed if she comes back and you haven’t even read the stupid list of experiments! He was reading down the list when he heard her scream. The book fell out of his hands. “Jinny?” Another shrill scream. He raced out of the room, plunged down the stairs. Into the kitchen. So much blood. So much bright red blood.

Chapter 13
    Brandt’s sneakers crunched over shards of broken glass as he crossed the room to Jinny. “Make it stop!” she shrieked, her eyes wide with fear. “Make it stop— please!” She raised both arms. Her