How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
And one of the things they had in common, at that time, was a vague and mysterious fear of the old man called the Professor. (1.5)
The kids in the neighborhood are scared of the Professor, though they don't really know why. What's so scary about a mysterious old man who always keeps to himself and has a completely secret personal life? Oh right. All of that.
Quote #2
"He might be watching us through it, though."
Somehow, that thought was almost more scary than the possibility of the Professor's actually entering the yard. With one accord the girls moved warily toward the window. (5.6-7)
The girls aren't necessarily afraid that the Professor will storm into the yard and kick them out. The prospect of him watching them play the Egypt Game secretly is way creepier. It's unsettling being watched, after all.
Quote #3
From somewhere not too far away, perhaps the main alley behind the Casa Rosada, Mrs. Ross's voice was calling, "Melanie! Marshall! Melanie!" There was something about the tone of her voice that made Melanie's eyes widen with fear. "Something's wrong," she said. (8.3-4)
Mrs. Ross is a pretty tough woman, so when Melanie and April hear her calling for them with real fear in her voice, they know that something's up. And like good little kids, they return home right away, even though it's kind of early to be called inside. Nothing like fear to shut down a good game.