The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 37

His pocket watch told him it was time to get up, and Timothy bounced out of bed. He wasn't the only early riser that morning. Downstairs, he saw many servants hauling the Carlyles' luggage away.

Tim paused to watch. A feeling of disappointment suddenly struck his heart. They were leaving? But what about Grace and Arthur? He searched the crowd until he finally saw them both standing close together in the door of their uncle's suite. He felt relieved as his eyes rested upon them. They weren't dressed for traveling, and their faces were alight with joy as they waved their final goodbyes to their relatives. Quietly, the boy stole up to their side.

"Arthur, ya ain't leavin', are ya?" he whispered anxiously.

"No, thank goodness!" the man answered cheerfully. "Grace and I will happily stay here a few days longer."

Tim's face brightened. "Then, can we 'ave a lesson?" he asked.

"Yes, if we hurry! We are going on a boat to see the sun rise over the ocean soon. But we can spare a few more minutes."

"I do wish you could come with us, Timothy!" Gracie said with longing. The lad half wished that he could go too. But he wasn't very sorry. He knew that Hannover needed him, and he was happy to stay where he was needed.

Tim and Grace had the nicest time learning their lessons from Arthur. They marveled over science and history for almost an hour. Then it was time for Timothy to begin his daily tasks, and he bounced away to his master's office.

"Good mornin', Mr. Hanov—" he began. But he was cut off in an instant.

"Timothy! Good thing you're here! There isn't a minute to waste!" his master interrupted hastily. "Take this letter and mail it just as fast as you can. It is of the utmost importance! Go on now, run for goodness sake!"

Tim hurried off, and the minute he returned, he was put to work again. It seemed like everyone was in a hurry that day. No matter who he saw, they were scurrying around very busily. He soon found out that a very important guest was expected that day, but Tim didn't know the difference between a middle-class gentleman and someone of higher birth, so it made no difference to him.

When he had done all of his tasks, the little boy ran back upstairs to find Hannover. The man wasn't in his office, but somewhere down the hall, he could hear the man's frantic voice shouting all kinds of directions. "Put that there, and move that over this way, and for pity's sake be careful! That clock is extremely valuable!"

Following the hasty voice, Timothy tiptoed to a beautiful open door and peeked into a gorgeous room. The sight almost took his breath away. The floor was an intricate mosaic, and the ceiling was beautifully designed with moldings and paintings.

Inside, Hannover was directing Izzy and a few other maids as they rearranged furniture and made everything look just so.

"Blimey, what's all this about?" Timothy asked, tugging on Hannover's sleeve.

"I haven't the time to explain!" his master answered. He jerked away from the child's hand and brushed imaginary fingerprints off of his jacket sleeve. Then, he went on organizing everything in a chaotic way.

"Can I do somefing to 'elp?" Tim asked.

"Yes, keep yourself out of our way!" Hannover answered quickly. Then, in panic, he shouted to the maids, "Mind the clock, I tell you! If you bump it, it will need reset. And I haven't the time for it, I tell you! Our guests will arrive by seven tonight, and there is so much to be done!"