The Sign of Fear by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page B

unheard of. Many people get their start in the New World in this way. Besides, it won’t last forever.”
    â€œYou don’t know that,” Christina said.
    Matthew got up and paced around the room. Christina watched him. Taking in everything about him.
    He was tall, with handsome features. His clothes weren’t fancy. But they were well made. And his eyes. Christina loved their rich brown shade.
    â€œYou mustn’t give up,” Matthew said finally, his dark eyes filled with passion. “No matter what happens. No matter what comes.”
    He stopped his pacing and knelt in front of her. He reached out and took her hands. “I know what it is to face impossible odds, Christina,” Matthew confided softly. “But I have not lost faith in my mission. I still carry on.”
    â€œWhat mission do you have?” Christina asked, intrigued by his words. For a moment, she forget about her own troubles.
    â€œI am one of two brothers,” Matthew replied. He rose and sat back down beside her. But he did not release her hands.
    â€œWe have recently arrived in the New World. But no sooner did we land, than someone stole a valuable family heirloom from us. Now my brother and I are searching for it. If it takes forever, we will get it back.”
    â€œWhere is your brother?” Christina asked.
    Matthew sighed. “I don’t really know,” he said. “After the heirloom was stolen, I stayed to search the coastal towns. Benjamin went farther inland. I have no idea where he is or when I will see him again.”
    â€œHow terrible for you!” Christina exclaimed. “I know what it is to be all alone in the world. I feel for you, Matthew.”
    Christina didn’t know what to say next. Suddenly she felt shy.
    Neither spoke for a long moment. Then Christina heard the voices of Mistress Peterson and her daughter.
    My time with Matthew is almost over. Mistress Peterson and her daughter will appear any second.
    â€œI cannot halt my quest, Christina,” Matthew burst out, his words tumbling over one another. “I must recover my family’s heirloom. I feel sure it is very near. But when I find it, I will return for you. I promise. That is, if you will wait for me.”
    Christina’s body began to tingle. She felt her heart turn over once again.
    â€œI know we just met,” Matthew continued. “But I also know what I feel for you. It cannot be false. It is too strong. Too sudden.” Tenderly, he drew her into the circle of his arms.
    Christina gave a shaky laugh against his chest. “I don’t even know your full name.”
    â€œMy name is Matthew Fier.”
    Matthew Fier, Christina thought. The name of my rescuer. The name of my love.
    â€œI cannot do anything until I find the heirloom, but then . . . ” He hesitated.
    â€œI will wait for you, Matthew,” Christina said.
    Matthew squeezed her tightly. Christina gazed up at him, her heart swelling.
    He must be my soul mate, she thought. The one my mother used to speak of so long ago.
    No matter what comes, I will love you, Matthew Fier, she thought. I will love you until the day I die.

Chapter
15

    â€œW hy, Matthew,” a bright voice called out from the doorway. “What brings you back here?”
    Christina and Matthew jerked apart. A young woman about Christina’s age came into the room. Her long, blond hair framed her face. Her bright blue eyes sparkled. She is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, Christina thought.
    And all her attention is focused on Matthew Fier.
    Matthew rose, as was proper when a woman entered a room. “Good evening to you, Miss Peterson,” he said.
    Emily gave a trill of laughter. “How formal you are tonight, Matthew,” she said. She glided up to him, and laid a hand on his arm. “You weren’t so standoffish the last time you visited us.”
    Christina felt her heartbeat falter. Matthew’s face turned a