Last Saturday, when the Kumquat Investigative Team went to Fowler to throw rocks at it, we found a secret staircase behind an antique pipe organ. And after ascending countless floors full of spooky spider webs, ghastly gargoyles, and a “Law Student” we met Ginkgo Globnar, the man behind the bell.

At first, Ginkgo’s goblinoid, hunchbacked, and generally grotesque appearance was quite frightening. But we soon learned that looks can be deceiving!

It turns out Mr. Globnar is on work study, and as long as he rings the bell three times per day (once when Starbucks opens, once for midday prayer, once when Starbucks closes) the school allows him to seek refuge in the dank, windowless crawl space.

Ginkgo grunted something about “crushing loneliness” and “wanting to be loved” but at least he’s getting free room and board–that’s one lucky goblin! He also tried to follow us out of the tower, but his dedication to the job and his shackles made it impossible! 

No matter how you slice it, Ginkgo is an inspiring example of work study in action!