The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 46

It was rather late when Timothy woke up the next morning. It had been a long, tiring night. And once he had fallen asleep, it had been hard to break away from his dreams.

He crawled out of bed and hurried to get himself dressed. Then he ran to greet his master. At a glance, he saw there were several busy people in the hall. The old tapestry had been drawn back, and the secret door was propped open. A group of servants was working inside.

At last, the boy reached his master's door and pushed it open. "G'mornin' Mr. Hanov..." his jolly voice sank to a murmur as his gaze fell on a crowd of excited men. There were three of them, all dressed in fine suits, and all scribbling notes on pieces of paper. The treasure chest was standing open in the room. And at his desk, Charles Hannover was feeling very important and smug. But as soon as Timothy burst in, everyone's attention became fixed on him.

"Who is this?" one of the reporters asked quickly.

"What is your name, lad?" another asked.

"What do you have to say about last night's event?"

"Was this boy present when the incident took place?"

Tim was startled by the flood of attention. Hannover looked almost displeased by the child's presence.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, for goodness' sake! Stay focused!" Hannover begged. "I was in the middle of my interview and...and that sort of thing oughtn't be interrupted."

"But we heard that there was a boy involved! Is this him?" all of the men asked with interest.

"He...he..." Hannover looked torn and reluctant. "He is only an errand boy." he answered at last.

The words seemed to appease the curious listeners. They began asking Hannover other questions about how he had found the treasure and how he had felt when Bently had threatened his life. A boastful smile spread over Hannover's proud face. He went through a handful of the riddles and showed the reporters the ancient documents as he told his story. But he never mentioned Timothy.

At last, the little boy tiptoed to his master's side and tugged on the man's sleeve. "Mr. Hannover," he whispered, "d'ya got any letters for me?"

The man didn't seem to hear him. "And when that unbearable rogue came, demanding my treasure and my life, I stood there boldly, men!" he told them emphatically. "Never for a moment did I dream of allowing this priceless treasure to fall into such unworthy hands...." He went on and on without paying Timothy any heed.

"Mr. Hannover, please, d'ya got any errands for me?" Tim tried again.

"And I was just about to defend myself by fighting the man with my own strength when, out of nowhere, Mr. Lory stormed into the room!"

The reporters gave an exclamation of surprise as they penned down every word Hannover spoke.

"We're you aware that Mr. Lory was coming to your aid?" one asked.

"How did you feel about being saved by your butler?" another queried.

Hannover shrugged his shoulders. "I always knew Mr. Lory was a man to be trusted. As a butler, he has served me remarkably well. But never had I imagined that his loyalty would go so far! However, I do confess, his actions were not very necessary. I was merely stalling to give that criminal, Bently, a fair chance. In another minute, I would have subdued him myself! But I was grateful to the butler for calling the authorities. For, you understand, it was one-thirty in the morning! And the task of fetching them myself at that hour would have been a wearying one!"