The Howling Ghost by Christopher Pike Page B

think the ghost is up in the lighthouse. I think there’s only one ghost. Remember that howling we heard? And there was no way that searchlight could have come on by itself.”
    Adam went on to explain his theory that the boat had crashed because the captain had been drunk, not because the searchlight was off. Watch thought that made sense. But he wanted to bring the skeleton with them anyway.
    â€œWhy?” Adam asked.
    â€œBecause you never know,” Watch said. “The ghost in the lighthouse might want to talk to it.”
    Adam snickered. “Skeletons can’t talk.”
    â€œYeah, and ghosts aren’t supposed to exist. Don’t forget where you’re living. I wouldn’t be surprised if the skeleton and the ghost got in a big argument. It won’t be the first time that’s happened around here.”
    Adam yawned. “We can take it with us if you want. If nothing else, we can give it to Mr. Spiney.” Hepointed to Watch’s air tank. “Did you bring me an extra tank?”
    â€œNo. But you don’t need it. We can buddy breathe.”
    â€œIs that dangerous?” Adam asked.
    â€œNot if just two people are doing it together.” Watch glanced again at the skeleton. “I don’t think he needs any air.”

9
    S ally and Cindy were overjoyed to see Adam alive. Adam was surprised at how glad they were. They both had tears in their eyes as he climbed onto the rocks, although Sally quickly brushed hers away. Adam felt pleased to know he would have been missed if he’d died. This hero business did have its rewards. Not that he wanted another kiss or anything gross like that.
    â€œIf it wasn’t for me, you would still be down there with the fish,” Sally said. “I was the one who figuredout where you were. I never lost hope, even as Cindy and Watch were planning your funeral.”
    â€œThat’s not true,” Cindy said. “In my heart I knew Adam would pull through.”
    â€œYeah, that’s why you picked out a tank of laughing gas instead of air,” Sally said.
    Cindy was insulted. “You chose a tank with a skull and crossbones on it.”
    â€œSpeaking of bones,” Watch said, with Captain Pillar in tow. “This is what Adam found in the ship. Don’t worry, Cindy, it’s not your brother.”
    â€œI can see that,” Cindy said, looking a little sick. The skeleton was draped with seaweed, and there was a tiny crab crawling out of one of its eye sockets. “There was no sign of my brother?” Cindy asked quietly.
    â€œNo,” Adam said. “But I think we’ve been chasing after the wrong ghost. We have to search the lighthouse again.”
    â€œBut we already searched it,” Sally protested. “Neil wasn’t inside. I would—”
    â€œBet my reputation on it,” Watch finished for her.
    â€œWe hardly searched the place before leaving,” Adam said. “What if the top floor had an attic above it?”
    Watch nodded as he stared up at the top of the lighthouse. “There could be a tiny room above the searchlight. At least it looks that way from here.” Watch shivered. “But it’s getting late and I’m hungry. Maybe we should try to save Neil tomorrow, after a warm meal and a good night’s sleep.”
    Cindy was agitated. “But you really think my brother might be stuck in there with an evil ghost?” she asked Adam. “If it’s true, I can’t leave him there another night.”
    â€œFor all we know the ghost might be enjoyable company,” Watch said. “Remember Casper. He wasn’t a bad fellow.”
    â€œHe was a whiner,” Sally disagreed. “He was always complaining about being dead. He should have had to live in Spooksville for a few weeks, see what we go through. Then he would have stopped his moaning.”
    Adam shook his head. “We have to go back inside the lighthouse and