Treasure on the Bayou

The Value of Treasure

After the sheriff got all the information he needed he exclaimed, "I've never met folks more brave and more determined than all y'all. You did not know it, but this here reprobate is wanted for murder, robbery and and extortion in several states. I don't know how only two men and two teens took on the toughest gang of outlaws this county has ever seen, but by golly you did. I'm just glad none of you got hurt. Once again, well done!" He slapped Mr. Higgins and Mr. Wilson on the back and shook Patricia and Atticus's hands. "Ya'll are gonna be famous in these here parts!" he said as he got in his car.

"All right!" Atticus cheered.

As they approached the house they all shouted "Macarena" and Mrs. Higgins, who was still shaking, hugged them at the front door, weeping with joy.

Larry Higgins gave Pastor Wilson a big hug and said, "Thank you so much Mr. Wilson. That was a brave thing you did to warn us and then stay to help us. Things would have turned out much different otherwise. It is nice to have a true friend here. Would you like to stay for some of Kinsey's famous hot chocolate?"

"I would love to. I'm a bit shaken and something warm and sweet would go a long ways in calming my nerves. You are fine folk and I couldn't stand by and do nothing. It is an honor to be your friend and your neighbor. Mr. Larry, you have a fine family here. You should be right proud of those teenagers."

After the delicious hot chocolate, Mr. Wilson excused himself. Exhausted from the ordeal, everyone headed to bed right away. Patricia, knew what awaited her as she fell into a blissful sleep. Once again she was in the beautiful Hall of Justice and now she knew precisely why it had that name. Her great grandfather Higgins and a boy about the age of her brother stood shimmering by the large bird bath. They were both beaming at her. She approached them and said, "Thank you. You did hear me and brought those big alligators to protect us. I knew it was you."

Great grandfather Higgins nodded his head and pointed to the boy and then traced the word Atticus in the air. Then it dawned on her. All these years great grandpa H. had felt like it was his fault that Atticus died, but now he knows that Lafitte's grandson is the one who killed him and now he can finally be at peace. Great grandpa Higgins held out his arms as if to invite Patricia to give him a hug. She approached and opened her arms for a hug, though she physically did not feel anything, she felt his presence and his love. Before her eyes she saw her great grandpa H. slowly disappear into nothing. Feeling a little foolish hugging nothing, she lowered her arms and saw Atticus looking intently at her and smiling. As he disappeared also, he pointed directly at the bird bath and then he was gone.

At breakfast Patricia recounted to everyone what she had seen in her dream. Tears of sadness, joy, and relief filled everyone's eyes.

"Grandpa H. is at peace finally." Larry Higgins said.

Then Atticus said, "Let's go out and see that fountain Atticus pointed at."

They all took a walk to the Hall of Justice and to their amazement it was clear of all the carnage that had happened the night before. The only thing out of place was the large and ornate bird bath. Apparently during the alligator feasting, it had been broken in half and the upper part lay on its side. "Great Grandpa is gonna be so mad! That was his pride and joy." Patricia commented.

It was Atticus that first noticed. "Would you look at this!" He pointed to the gleaming yellow coins flowing out of the bottom of the stem of the bird bath that had been knocked over on its side. "The bird bath was hollow inside. And look at those pebbles lining the rim." Atticus pointed to the areas where the grey paint had been scraped off in places, revealing the gems that sparkled in the sunlight. "Those are diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The bird bath was made out of Lafitte's treasure all along."

Patricia asked her father, "Hey dad, why didn't great grandpa Higgins spend the treasure instead of hiding it in the bird bath?"

"I think he didn't want his family to become focused on money. That's why he painted it and put it in the Hall of Justice. I bet he knew how money and treasure changes people. It also probably gave him great pleasure knowing that the treasure that the descendants of Lafitte were seeking was in plain sight and they would never get their hands on it. He had already found his treasure and it was his family that brought him joy... that was until the tragedy of Atticus, then he lost it. Thanks to you, now he has gotten his treasure back. He obviously loves you since you were the one with which he communicated and now you are a part of his real treasure." Mr. Higgins gave his daughter a hug. "I love you too, precious."

"So Dad, what are we going to do with the treasure?" Atticus asked.

"We won't be selling this place anytime soon. Remember that mansion you guys expected when we first got here?" Larry said with a laugh, "Well, I don't think we will have any trouble putting the money to good use." He gave his wife Kinsey a hug. "Atticus, go to the shed and get Grandpa H's old wheel barrow."