r eyes. The
bricks against which her head had been resting had been loosened. She
had not been dizzy, the movement had taken place _in them_.

Picking up a stick that lay beside her feet she thrust it idly inside
a tiny crevice.

Actually by this time Tory had lost interest in what had been an
ardent enthusiasm earlier in the day.

She was excited, however, when a brick, displaced from its former
position, tumbled to the ground, yet for the moment uttered no
exclamation that might attract attention.

Thrusting her hand into the opening she tugged at another brick. The
exertion was unnecessary. It yielded at once to her touch. Two other
bricks were as easily removed.

Tory then discovered a hollow opening several feet deep.

There was nothing visible inside; the space appeared dark and empty.

Then Tory did call out and Mr. Hammond and the group of Girl Scouts
crowded close about her.

"Would you mind thrusting your hand inside and seeing if there is
anything stored away? I don't think it very nice of me to ask you
because I am afraid of touching something spooky or clammy. Do you
mind?"

Apparently Mr. Hammond did not object. Unmindful of his coat sleeve,
he was thrusting the entire length of his arm into the hollow recess.

"I wonder if this was not a Dutch oven that was covered over when it
failed to be used. In that case I may find a petrified loaf of bread
or pumpkin pie," Mr. Hammond remarked in a slightly ironical tone,
bored by this time.

An instant later his expression altered sufficiently for the group of
girls watching to become conscious of the change. The next he drew
forth a small package of letters tied together with a worn cord.

Were they of the remotest interest or value?

No one could say. At least the audience was willing to offer them the
benefit of an investigation.

Joan Peters went away to her tent, returning with a candle.

If there was anything else inside the dark enclosure the lighted
candle would show it forth.

Except for the letters the recess was empty.

Mr. Hammond continued to hold the packet and stare at it.

"Don't you think you had best open the letters and read what they
say?" Tory asked restlessly, wishing that Mr. Hammond would give her
the opportunity. After all, she had been the real discoverer, even if
her hands had not first touched the yellowed papers. Perhaps they
would contain thrilling information for Kara. She might be an heiress
or possessed of a