The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 9

They couldn't help but stare. From the upstairs window of his bedroom, Hannover and Timothy peeked through the concealing drapes and looked down at the new guests who were just arriving.

"Blimey!" Tim whispered. "'Ave ya ever seen anyfing so fancy in all yer bloomin' days?"

"Extraordinary!" Hannover breathed in amazement. Their eyes were fixed upon a beautiful carriage that was coming closer and closer to Netherstrand. It was shining with gold details, and it was vibrant with floral paintings.

Hannover tapped his fingers against the wall. Now that is the way to ride in style! he told himself enviously. Sometimes, it seems horrendously unfair that some are born rich and others have to work so hard to find their fortune!

If anyone had worked hard to get rich, it was Charles Hannover. He had fought his way up the ladder of high society and, in many ways, he had succeeded. He was by no means poor. And yet, he wasn't satisfied. No matter what he had, he always longed for more. It wasn't enough to be well off and respectable. He wanted to be prestigious and unbelievably wealthy.

You WILL find your fortune, Charles. Just wait and see! he schemed to himself. There is a treasure somewhere in this house. The question is, where?

Oh, he had spent so many hours trying to solve that mystery. He had dreamed about it and wracked his brain about it. But so far, it had done him no good. At last, he threw the thought out of his mind.

Why should I worry? he asked himself. Whether I find the treasure or not, it is still doing me a good service! Not half of the guests in this house would have come at all if it had not been for that legend! And the more guests that come, the more money I gain! My fortune begins now by offering these wealthy snobs the best suite in the house!

With greed coursing through his heart, Hannover left the window and hurried to the mirror. He straightened his tie, smoothed the wrinkles out of his suit, and then set out to greet his new guests.

"Can I come, sir?" Timothy asked, hurrying after him.

"Come where?" Hannover asked.

"Wherever yer goin'! I wanna see the dossy folk too!"

"Bah! Do you really think I would introduce them to my errand boy? Don't be ridiculous! You will stay well out of sight and draw no one's attention. Do you understand? Servants are never to be seen unless they are called for."

Tim dropped behind and let out a disappointed sigh. "Yes, sir," he said obediently.

He watched Hannover descend the stairs with light, quick steps. Then, a bright idea came to his mind. I'll stay outta sight. An' I won't draw no one's attention. But that don't mean I can't watch! He was dying to catch a glimpse of the lady and gentleman who owned that gorgeous gilded carriage. I reckon I'm rather good at sneakin' round an' hidin'. I know just where t' go!

Silent as usual, the boy tiptoed downstairs. It was a place of grandeur which he rarely got to look at. The floors were all covered in thick carpets, and there were huge, beautiful windows with long velvet drapes which touched the floor.

Tim snuck carefully along. He had to duck out of sight twice to avoid being spotted by one of the guests. He hid behind every piece of furniture he could, and then he made an artful dash to one of the windows. There, he easily hid behind the heavy drapes, folding himself into the loose fabric and disappearing from everyone's view.

He giggled in delight as he peeked. He had come just in time to see old Sebastian open the doors with regal dignity as the newcomers stepped up to the house. Hannover was there to greet them with a showy bow and a smile which shined with genuine joy and greed.