ssary to leave hurriedly. You will
find the remnants of an old mattress in the gable there. I presume that
was originally so placed that the person going through would slide from
the smooth panel to the mattress without the least danger of injury. The
instant his body left the panel the weights would pull the panel into
place with a great bang. When the weights struck their foundation--the
floor--another crash would be heard. Were I an Indian, I think I would
run if I heard all that crashing and smashing. However, I have cut the
ropes. You will have no recurrence of to-day's accident. The trap was
open and both the young women fell into it while groping about in the
dark in there. Is Miss Mollie seriously hurt?"

"One wrist is sprained and she is somewhat bruised. I do not believe it
will prove to be anything serious," answered Mr. Presby. "Bob, I thank
you," he added, giving the young man's hand a hearty grip.

"May I go down there now?" piped Tommy.

"You may not, sir," returned his father sternly. "You will keep away
from that place entirely. I shall have the opening nailed up to-morrow.
By the way, Robert, what did you find at the bottom?" questioned the
master eagerly.

"A caved-in passage. I also found this. I intended to give it to you in
the presence of Miss Thurston. However, it belongs to you."

Mr. Presby turned the metal box over in his hand reflectively.

"Open it, Robert. I decline to become excited."

"May I call Miss Barbara?"

"Certainly."

Tommy fairly flew downstairs for Bab, who returned with him on the run.
Stevens showed her the box. Her eyes glowed.

"How is Miss Mollie?" asked the young man.

"I don't think there is very much the matter with her except the shock
and the fright. She must have been unconscious down there for quite a
time. Please open the box. I am dying of curiosity."

He broke open the box with the stove poker with which he had sounded
the walls. All necks were craned to see what was in the box. To their
wonderment, not unmixed with disappointment, Bob Stevens drew out a
tarnished gold watch, on the back of which had been cut the letters "T.
W. P." It was of English make and very old.

Mr. Presby regarded it solemnly.

"That is my ancestor's watch. It can mean but one thing, finding it as
we have. He left such of his worldly possessions as he could--this
watch. And to think we have dug up half of the estate for a treasure
that did not exist! It was his silent mess