The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 27

A shiver ran down Timothy's spine. He lay in bed gripping the blankets as he strained his ears to listen. The sound was undoubtable. He could hear a pair of feet creeping stealthily down the hall downstairs, just as they had done the other night.

Oh no! 'Ere we go again! he thought, shivering in fear. What do I do this time? His thoughts tumbled around and around in his head. Who was this strange person who prowled around at night? By now, he knew it couldn't be a housebreaker. Whoever it was, they had to be staying in that house.

Sebastian flashed back into his mind. Why had the old man been awake that night? What had he been doing in that hall? Something strange was going on, and the butler was definitely a part of it.

I reckon I'm about the only person what knows 'bout this, the little boy thought. An' if they're goin' about stealin' fings, Mr. Hannover needs t' know.

He was sure Hannover wouldn't believe him if he told the man about the things he had heard. But if he could catch the criminals red-handed and drag his master away to witness the whole thing, then he was sure the rogues' mischief would be put to an end.

He sat up in bed and shoved his blankets away. Then, battling his fear, he crept downstairs. A glimmer of candlelight shone down the hall. He caught a glimpse of a tall, shadowy person, but it was only a fleeting glance. In the same second, the prowler turned down a particular corridor and disappeared from his view.

There ain't no secret door down that way, I don't b'lieve! the child thought victoriously. I'm sure t' catch 'im this time.

He moved forward silently, keeping hidden in the shadows of the huge house. He was quick, but not quick enough to get a good look at the person he was tracking. As soon as he turned into the hallway, he saw the candle's glow fade around another corner. On and on, he followed the light, never able to get close enough to know who he was pursuing.

Going a little further, the child suddenly came to a halt. He felt a chill of fear run through him. There were closed doors on either side of the hall, but one door was partly open. And inside, Tim could see the gleaming light.

He tingled and shuddered and trembled as he walked forward. Very quietly, very cautiously, he reached the old door and peeked through the crack. But what a familiar sense of horror gripped him as he looked in. He saw nothing. Not a man or woman stood in the room. The only sign of the night roamer was the candlestick which had been set in the middle of the floor.

With his heart pounding wildly, Timothy pushed the door open and stepped in, looking all around in terror. He was perfectly alone. But how? How could the person have disappeared again? And where was he now?

From some impulse, Timothy stooped down and picked up the stranger's candle. Its light danced across the walls of the room, glinting on the edges of gilded picture frames. Straight ahead of him, he saw the light reflecting in a mirror at the far end of the gallery. In that mirror, he could see himself and the black doorway behind him. As he gazed at the reflection, a sudden draft of air made his candle flicker and dim. Then, before he could even think, he saw a dark figure loom out of the shadows and felt two arms seize him from behind. His cry of horror was muffled in the palm of a large, cold hand.

"You! What are you doing here?" he heard Sebastian growl. As his mouth was uncovered, all Tim could do was whimper in fear.

"What right do you have to plunder in this room? In my mistress's house!" the butler demanded gruffly.