 Section 14 of The Secret of Casa Grande by Helen Randolph. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Marys Gano. Ghostly figures. When Joanne and Florence had gone only a short distance, they noticed the tunnel curved so that they could not see Peggy's light. Poor Peggy's alone now, she can't even see our lights, said Florence. I almost wish we hadn't left her back there. If she'll stay right where we left her, she ought to be all right. But this is the darkest place I was ever in, spooky too. They walk slowly, stopping every now and then to examine the sides and top of the tunnel. Joanne suddenly pointed to the top. Look up there! There's a crack. Let's go back. That looks scary to me, Florence exclaimed quickly. It might cave in. No. That small crack couldn't be dangerous. Come on. Joanne started on again, and reluctantly Florence followed. In spite of her seeming indifference to danger, Joanne was really examining the walls and top more cautiously than ever. Here's another crack, she exclaimed a few minutes later. Maybe there's been an earthquake near here. They do have earthquakes down here sometimes, don't they? Yes. Now and then. Slight ones, Florence replied. Don't you think we'd better go back. Poor Peg may be getting lonesome. And we told her we wouldn't be gone long. Joanne half smiled. Maybe she is. But let's go a little farther. Surely we'll come to the end of this tunnel soon. There's no telling how long it is. It might be miles long. Let's go back. In a minute, I see something ahead. Something whitish. Maybe it's a little opening and the moonlight shining through. Joanne stopped and pointed directly ahead. Oh, I do see it, Florence exclaimed. It does look white. Eagerly, Joanne led the way onward, but not without watching for anything that might be dangerous. When they had gone a few yards farther, she suddenly cried, Why, it's a cave in. You see, I told you we'd better go back. Come on, Florence turned around and started toward the entrance. When she had gone only a few steps, she noticed that Joanne was not following her. Looking back, she saw her leaning over, examining the pile of debris and fallen stones. Look, the tunnel's almost blocked by this cave in, Joanne called. There's only one small opening left over here on one side. Well, we can't go any further, so let's get out before it caves in some more, insisted Florence. I don't see any danger of that. Look at the dust on these stones. They've been here for years and years. Maybe a cannonball shattered this part of the tunnel in one of the wars. Maybe so, but I'll feel better when we get away from here. A moment later, she cried out in alarm on seeing Joanne climb up through the hole. Jo, you mustn't crawl in there. Why not? I want to see if this is the end of the tunnel. There isn't any danger. These stones are solid. See, I've felt every one of them. Joanne pushed first one stone, then another, to show that there was no danger of their slipping. Then, with her flashlight ahead of her, she thrust her head and shoulders into the opening. To her disappointment, she could only see a short distance. Eager to see as far as possible, she wriggled carefully over the jagged stones, farther into the opening, and held her flashlight at arm's length. Oh, this is nothing but a little cave in. She called back in a muffled tone. The tunnel goes in a long way. There's no sign of the end of it. Let's crawl on through. No indeed. I'm not going in that hole. Florence replied promptly, and you'd better get out, right? A muffled shriek from Joanne broke into her sentence. Oh, I've dropped my flashlight on the other side. Now I've—she stopped the cuff violently. I've got to crawl through, and get it. Don't crawl clear through. You might not be able to get back. Florence's voice was full of anxiety. Let me hold your feet while you reach for the flashlight. Without waiting for an answer, she grasped Joanne's feet firmly. Slowly then, Joanne wriggled, still farther into the hole. The farther she crawled, the near Florence was pulled to the opening. With a sudden jerk, Joanne reached over to get her flashlight. In her effort, she threw Florence against a pile of debris and stirred up the fine dust, which set both of them to coughing and struggling for air. Hurry up, and crawl out. Begged Florence between gasps. Coming this instant, pull me back. I can't make it by myself. Florence laid down her flashlight and began pulling at Joanne's feet. Pull harder, Joanne grunted. I'm pulling as hard as I can. I haven't budged. Pull again, and I'll wiggle as hard as I can. These sharp stones hurt like fury. Once more, Florence braced herself and pulled with all her strength. The next moment, one of Joanne's alxfords slipped off, and Florence was sent sprawling backward on the floor. In the cloud of dust that arose, Florence caught a glimpse of Joanne's feet disappearing in the hole. But Joanne and Florence were not the only ones who were having their troubles. Peggy too was having her share. Joanne had the girl's lights disappeared, then she began to get restless. Everything looked so much more gloomy and alarming in the faint glow of one's flashlight. When she threw its rays directly in front, they penetrated the darkness only a short distance and cast eerie shadows on the walls nearby. It's silly to get scared of the dark and shadows this way. She scolded herself. With an effort, she tried to concentrate on the persons who had built these tunnels. Patient people they must have been to cut these passages through solid stone with their old crude tools. There were probably Indian workmen experiencing cutting stone. It must have taken them years and years to make these. All at once, it seemed to her that the shadow on her right took the form of a crouching Indian. Here I am being silly again, she thought. It's because I'm standing still here that I'm nervous and slonesome as well as scary. Staying still in a spooky place like this. Looking around for something to divert her mind, she noticed the queer-shaped piece of metal in the niche and wondered what Florence had done with the other. Perhaps she dropped it when the bats frightened her, she thought. She cast the rays of her light over the floor till she finally found the piece of metal, then place it back in the niche with its mate. Joe and I can use one of these for a candle holder on the little table beside our bed and Florence can use the other, she decided. Not seeing anything else of interest, she grew more restless than ever. I wonder where this tunnel leads. I believe I'll walk down it a little way. Florence and Joe probably won't be back for several minutes. There's no sign of their lights yet. I won't go but a few steps. I might call and I couldn't hear them. She walked slowly a short distance, looking carefully on all sides. When she had gone about 12 feet, she came to a narrow opening on her right. She stopped and peered into it as far as her light would permit. This place is certainly a network of passages. She thought, I wonder what this narrow wants for? Her curiosity aroused. She turned into this new passage and kept straight ahead for a little way. Then as she flashed her light about, she caught a glimpse of another opening to her left. Glancing to this opening, she saw at the farther end what appeared to be a door half a jar. Her eyes began to shine. Surely I'll find something important behind that door. She thought, it'd be a rich joke on Joe and Florence if I should be the one to make some great discovery. With her heart thumping rapidly, she walked down to the door, peeped in, then cautiously opened the door wider and stepped inside. To her great disappointment, the room was absolutely bare. Just my luck, she groaned. I thought surely I was going to find something interesting to show the girls. Disgusted, she hurried out of the room and back to the passage, then turned quickly to her left and hastened on. One more turn and I'll be back in the main tunnel, she told herself. When she had gone a short distance, she discovered that the passage apparently ended a few feet ahead. Why, this isn't the way it came, she cried in alarm. Her heart seemed to leap up into her throat and her eyes dilated in horror. Why, I'm lost, lost. The next moment she ordered herself sternly. Don't lose your head. Go back and retrace your steps to that opening. You've taken the wrong turn, that's all. With the fresh grip on her emotions, she wheeled about and walked to the opening from which she had just emerged. Oh, here's where I made my mistake, she exclaimed in relief. I turned to the left instead of the right. What a stupid I was. She started on again and kept straight ahead till she reached the entrance to the main tunnel. As her light shone on the wall directly in front of her, she suddenly halted in surprise. There, a little to her right, was a recess in the wall with a long, salt-looking panel in the back. That's strange, she thought. I wonder what that panel's for? She flashed her light straight into the recess this time. In the circle of light, a black metal ring stood out distinctly. Could this queer-looking panel be a door? If it were, then there was another room here only a few feet from her. Timidly, she caught hold of the metal ring the next moment and pulled. To her disappointment, the panel did not move. There must be a reason for this ring and this panel, she told herself. I'll try again harder. Putting her shoulder against the panel, she pushed with all her strength. There was a sudden, loud, grating noise. Then the door swung open with such force that she lost her balance and fell full length on the floor. Her first thought was about her flashlight. What a terrible plight she would be in if it were broken. Trembling with anxiety, she pressed the button of her light. At flash its rays as brightly as ever. Half curiously, half timidly, she stared into the lighted area. The next instant, her eyes dilated in horror. What was that horrible-looking creature directly in front of her? Ah! Ah! Ah! She shrieked. Joe! Joe! After that one shriek, her throat contracted with fright and she lay as if paralyzed. That horrible thing was so near, she could almost touch it. Was it man or beast? Some prehistoric animal? She had never, not even her wildest imagination, seen anything like this hideous monster. It stood in an upright position like a man and had long, scrawny arms and legs and huge frightful claws which seemed to be reaching out to grab her. Its head was hunched between its shoulders and over the whole thing was a long, scraggly, hairlike covering. With eyes fastened on the creature, Peggy waited breathlessly. If only the thing would move or do something, anything would be better than the suspense. But still it stood motionless. If only she could manage to slide or crawl out of the room. But that monster would be sure to follow stealthily. Yet she must do something. She must get out of this room. Forcing her eyes for a second from the monster, she glanced toward the door. The next instant she shuddered in fresh terror. There beside the door, almost at her feet, loomed another monster. He was taller and more horrible than the first. Almost simultaneously there came a soft, thudding sound from the tunnel. What could that be? Some other menace? It was getting nearer, nearer. Suddenly, above the thudding, sounded a high-pitched voice, Joanne's voice. Joanne Florence were running to her rescue. They had heard her scream. You must get out of this room this instant and warn the girls of their danger. She commanded herself sternly. Carefully, slowly, almost without seeming to move, she backed feet first toward the door. To reach it, she had to pass so close to this other taller and more horrible creature that she would almost touch it. She held her breath. Already she could feel the clutch of those claw-like hands. Stealing herself, she inched her body a little nearer. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched those threatening claws, brown, leathery claws they were, dried, wrinkled, ghastly. All at once, the reason for their ghastly appearance darted into her mind. The hideous creatures were dead. With a cry of relief, she sprang to her feet and stumbled through the door. Just as she stepped into the tunnel, Joanne and Florence rushed up, panting. Peg, what the matter? Joanne cried, throwing her arms around Peggy. I was afraid something dreadful. What had happened, Peg? Urged Florence, between gasps for a breath, as she flashed her light full upon Peggy. Struggling to make her voice sound natural, Peggy replied slowly. I was just scared. I'm sorry, I frightened you. What frightened you? Joanne put in quickly. You're white as a ghost. That's what I've been seeing. Ghosts? Oh, Peggy shivered. This is no time for foolishness. What scared you? Peep through that door and see for yourself then. Peggy replied. All curiosity, Joanne turned quickly toward the front door. Florence at her heels. The next moment, both girls drew back with cries of fright. Horrible, ejaculated Florence. Horrible, echoed Joanne. No wonder you were frightened Peg, she added quickly. They're only mummies, but if I hadn't read about them, I'd have been paralyzed. But what made you come up here after you said you'd stay where we left you? I got tired waiting for you. I thought you'd never come, so I decided to explore this tunnel a little way. I got lost for a while, and then on my way back, I found this door. It wouldn't open at first, so I pushed hard. And then I tumbled head foremost into that room when I turned on my light and saw those horrible creatures. Well, I almost died from fright. I thought they were alive. He poor child comforted Florence. We should have never left you alone. What made you two stay so long? We went farther than we expected and Joanne got stuck in a hole. Peggy turned to Joanne. You would do something like that. What kind of a hole was it? Just a little opening in a cave-in. I wanted to see what was on the other side. I dropped my flashlight over there and got stuck trying to get it. I had to pull her out. I had a time doing it, Florence added. That wasn't nearly as much trouble as I got into, said Peggy with a gesture toward the door. How'd those hideous things ever get in there? I don't know, I'm sure, replied Joanne. I've read that they've been found in some parts of Mexico and that they're different from the ancient Egyptian mummies in that no preservatives were used. The air in certain parts of this country has such drying qualities in it that centuries ago, people discovered that they could keep bodies perfectly without the use of preservatives. Ugh, that don't look perfect to me, put in Peggy. Joanne stepped to the door, saying, I'd like to examine those mummies more closely, but that's the way we feel, don't we, Florence? Peggy said with a half smile as she and Florence crowded into the doorway. What is this whitish stuff on them? She asked the next moment. I imagine they were wrapped in a sort of shroud when they were put in there, said Joanne, but it's almost evaporated. Why do you suppose they're standing straight up, Jo? Peggy queried curiously. I should think they'd be in coffins or something. Joanne shook her head dubiously. Some ancient custom, perhaps. Didn't you start out to find the family skeleton, Jo? Ask Florence with a twinkle in her eyes. It seems to me Peggy found it and all of its ancestors, for you, Peggy shouldered. It's a good thing I didn't know there were so many mummies in this room. Let's get away from here. I've seen enough of these horrible-looking things to last me a lifetime. You have, too, haven't you, Florence? Florence nodded in an emphatic assent and added, surely you've looked at them long enough, Jo. Come on. Reluctantly, Joanne turned to leave. I'd like to go inside and look over the room, but since you insist, I suppose I'll have to go. Peggy took a few steps down the passage, calling back over her shoulder. Shut the door, Jo. I found it closed, so better leave it that way. All right, Joanne caught hold of the ring and pulled on it, but the door would not budge. After pulling on it several more times without success, she called out. The door stuck. I'll have to try pushing. Catch hold of the ring and pull Peg while I push. And Florence, you shine your light in here so I can see. She added as she stepped into the room. Bracing herself against the wall, she slipped her arm into the narrow space behind the door and began pushing. With one wary glance at the ghostly figures back of her, Peggy pulled vigorously on the ring. Suddenly, the door gave a loud grating noise and swung so quickly that Peggy lost her balance and fell back against the mummies. With a terrified shriek, she sprang back. At the same time, Joanne felt something hard bump against her leg as she tumbled back against the wall. Guessing what had happened to Peggy, she reached for her flashlight hanging to her belt. No sooner had she flashed on the light than Peggy was by her side, shivering and pale with fright. Oh, I fell against those hideous mummies, she exclaimed. Let's get out of here this instant. Something struck me too, said Joanne, glancing down in the corner back of the door. There before her eyes lay several large candelabra. Oh, look here, Peg, she cried excitedly. They're just old iron candlesticks, Peggy replied shortly. Come on, not heeding Peggy's words, Joanne reached down and picked up one of them and began examining it closely. I believe this is gold, a golden candelabrum, she exclaimed admiringly. Look at the lovely design on the base and aren't the branches beautifully shaped? Just then, Florence peered around the half open door and called out. What's happened to you two? Why don't you come on out? We've made the wonderful discovery, replied Joanne. Come here and see. As soon as Florence came inside, Joanne pointed triumphantly to the candelabra. They're gold, maybe solid gold. After a moment's tribute of silence, Florence remarked, they're beautiful, I don't believe they're all gold. Those darker ones are probably silver and tarnished with age. She reached down and lifted one of the dollar-looking candelabra. It's certainly as heavy. Isn't this design on the base exquisite? As she placed it back on the floor, she added, I believe all these belong to the church. Probably they were hidden here long ago during some war revolution and then forgotten, Joanne said thoughtfully. Maybe the persons who put them here were killed and so she stopped abruptly. Then began again. I shouldn't wonder if there were more valuable things hidden down here. I want to see too if there aren't steps leading up to the church. Come on. End of. Section 14. Recording by Marius Gano. Section 15 of. The Secret of Casa Grande by Helen Randolph. This liberal box recording is in the public domain. Recording by Marius Gano. The Black Box. Past the ghostly figures, the three girls made their way, nervous shivers running up and down their spines, in spite of the fact that they knew these figures would not harm them. As they threw the rays from their lights on the rear wall of the room, Joanne suddenly halted. This was different from the others, she announced. It looks as if it's made of stone panels. It certainly does, agreed Florence. Eagerly, Joanne began examining one of the panels, testing it to see if it would move. Following her example, Peggy and Florence began trying to move the ones nearest them. Each panel they discovered had a slight depression carved in the top, which served as a fingerhold. After they had worked for several minutes without success, Peggy said disgustedly, let's stop this foolishness and get out of this awful room. These panels look like vaults or tombs, like the ones we saw in that old of Saint Rosh's cemetery in New Orleans. I've seen enough spooks and family skeletons to do me for ages. She told that Joanne's arm impatiently. Almost simultaneously, Joanne exclaimed, oh, I found a panel that moves. Shine your light this way, Pegg, while Florence helps me to shove it up. Together, Joanne and Florence pushed vigorously on the panel. Fine, it's moving, ejaculated Joanne finally. Once more Florence, hard now. Peggy threw the rays from her flashlight directly into the narrow crack, now appearing below the stone. Oh, I see something, something white. Push the stone up a little higher, can't you? Turning suddenly to Florence, she ordered, you hold the light and let me push. I'm stronger than you. In a few more moments, there was a loud grating sound as the stone moved and the crack below widened several inches. There's something in there, all right, agreed Florence. If you promise not to let that stone drop on my hand, I'll reach in and get it. Can you hold it? Let's get a better hold first, cried Joanne. My hand's slipping. Now, are you ready, Pegg? Okay, quickly Florence reached through the crack. Feels like a box, she exclaimed excitedly. But I can't get it out. There's a roll of paper or something to. We'll push a little harder, said Joanne. Push, Pegg, with all your might. Now, can you get hold of them? I've got them, Florence's voice was triumphant. Hold it just another second so I can see if there's anything else. She flashed the light into the opening again. Hurry, cut in Peggy, we can't hold this thing much longer. It weighs a ton. I can't see anything else, Florence said a moment later. Let it go. With size of relief, Joanne and Peggy let the slab drop into place. Phew, that stone was heavy, gasped Peggy. She glanced disappointedly at the small box and roll of paper, which Florence held in her hand. And all that hard work for nothing but a little insignificant looking box in a piece of paper. I told you these were nothing but grave vaults. Let's get out of this cemetery. After one last glance around the room, Joanne followed Peggy and Florence to the door. I'm glad the door's not stuck this time. She remarked as she pulled it shut. As she turned to join the girls, Florence called. Look right down the passage, though. There's another cave in. Flashing her light in that direction, Joanne exclaimed. You're right, that is a cave in. There have been steps there, too. This must have been the passage leading up into the church. It looks as if the whole side of the building has fallen down. I know where we are then, Florence put in. We're right under that section of the church that's partly in ruins. That's the reason no one's down here in years and years. Another curiosity was satisfied about the passage to the church, Joanne turned to Florence. You still have the box and the paper you took out of that vault, haven't you? Yes, but they don't look at all interesting or valuable. With one glance at the dull black box, Joanne reached out and took the roll of papers from Florence. Oh dear, she sighed a moment later. They're all in Spanish, of course. This is the queer's writing, all fancy flourishes and curly cues. I can't make anything out of it. Can you, Florence? Florence looked down at the papers a moment, then shook her head. All that I can make out of it is that it's some kind of old record. Let me have a look at the box then. Maybe it'll explain something. As Florence handed it to Joanne, she remarked, if you can find out anything from this old black box, you're a good one. I thoroughly agree with you. It doesn't look at all interesting. Joanne turned the box from side to side. It's unusually heavy, though, for such a small box. She shook it vigorously. Listen, there's something inside that makes a little rattling noise. It can't be anything much. Not in that small box, commented Peggy. I wish we could open it, said Joanne, studying the box while Florence held the light. It must have a secret spring. There's no sign of a keyhole. A secret spring? Peggy's interest was instantly aroused. Let me see it, will ya? When Peggy reached out to take the box, its weight took her by surprise and she let it slip out of her hands and fall crashing to the floor. Dropping down on their knees, Joanne and Peggy reached for the box at the same time. Oh, oh! Gasp Joanne, her voice quivering with excitement. Oh, oh! Echoed Peggy. What is it? Florence asked quickly as she leaned over their shoulders. Spellbound, the three girls gazed before them. The insignificant black box lay on its side, wide open, part of its contents spilled out on the floor. There was the gleam of old gold and the brilliant sparkle in flash of fire. All the colors of the rainbow seemed reflected in that circle of light. How perfectly magnificent! ejaculated Peggy in an old voice. Wonderful! An old jewel case! exclaimed Joanne and trans by the beauty before her. Gorgeous! added Florence. One by one, as though afraid of touching them, the girls picked up the jewels from the floor, rings set with precious stones, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals, gorgeous as the sunset, necklaces, earrings, and chains of gold, queer, antique-looking, all of them. Isn't this the loveliest thing you ever laid your eyes on? cried Peggy, holding up a filigree necklace of such delicate workmanship that it resembled a piece of fine old lace. It's exquisite! agreed Florence. And look at this ring! Isn't it the most beautiful one you ever saw? Joanne held up a ring that had one large exquisite opal circled by tiny diamonds. I love opals. The opals might bird-stone. When my ship comes in, if it ever does, I'll try to buy me a ring just like this. It is lovely! They all are. The diamonds, rubies, all of them, added Florence. They must be very valuable. I wonder why they were hidden here. Oh! She cried suddenly. An expression of horror passing over her face. These belong to the church. We can't take them. They'll be stealing. We must put them right back where we found them this minute. Not I, said Peggy emphatically. What would be the sense of leaving these things hidden for another century or more? put in Joanne quickly. I don't know, but I still feel that we'll be stealing if we take them, insisted Florence. I know what we'd better do, exclaimed Joanne, as a sudden solution of the problem occurred to her. We can take them to Senor Rodriguez, and let him dispose of them in the proper legal manner. Don't you think that would be best? Yes. Perhaps so, slowly agreed Florence. He ought to know what would be right. While Florence and Joanne had been arguing what to do with the pieces of jewelry, Peggy was putting them back in the black box. I can't get all these things back in this box, she sighed finally. How in the world did they ever get so much in such a small box? Wait, don't close it. We might not be able to get it open again. Joanne reached over and took the box. Let me tie the string around it so nothing will spill out. In a few minutes, the box was securely tied. Holding it tightly, Joanne hastened back to the entrance to the tunnel, the other girls following closely. End of Section 15. Recording by Mary Scano. Section 16 of The Secret of Casa Grande by Helen Randolph. This lip-revox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Scano. More precious than jewels. At the very moment that Peggy was lying, a terror stricken at the feet of the mummies, Dr. Blackwell had just made an alarming discovery. He had been awakened from a deep, peaceful sleep by the sound of vigorous knocking on the outer door and had quickly scrambled out of bed and into his clothes. He well knew that this knocking meant that someone was in distress and needed his professional services. Louder and louder had come the sound. Fearing that everyone in the house would be awakened, he had hurried down to answer the door. When he had not seen Florence at the head of the stairs, waiting to bolt the door as usual, he had gone to her room and found it empty and the beds undisturbed. Immediately he had to run from room to room, calling the girls, but had heard only the echoes of his own worried voice. All three girls had utterly disappeared. A terrible fear swept over him. They had been kidnapped. But no, that was impossible, he told himself the next moment. Three strong, healthy girls could not be carried off without making a sound. What should he do? Call the police? Something must be done immediately. But there was so much red tape connected with government affairs in this country that it would be ours before anything could be done. Perhaps it would be better to call his good friend, Senor Rodriguez. He would advise him the best steps to take. Quickly, his hand shaking so he could scarcely write, he scribbled a note to the senor. It was almost illegible, but the words, come at once, were plain, and that was all that was necessary. Rushing down the stairs, he hurried past the man waiting at the door, without speaking. The man stared after him in blank amazement. What was the matter? Was the doctor Americano local? On across the street ran Dr. Blackwell to the corner of the plaza where a taxi could be found at any hour of the day or night. He shook the sleeping taxi driver by the shoulder. Hombre, hombre, wake up! Take this letter to the senor Rodriguez and bring him back with you. Muy pronto, sabe? The lazy, easygoing Mexican straightened in surprise. He had carried this American doctor on many an urgent call, but he had never seen him so nervous and excited before. This must be something very important, very well he would show el doctor how he could hurry. There was a war, the grinding of gears, and the car was off like a shot. In an amazingly short time, senor Rodriguez rushed into the office. He found Dr. Blackwell slumped in a chair, his face in his hands. Doctor, what has happened? What is the matter? He asked in Spanish. In a few halting words, Dr. Blackwell told him of the girl's disappearance. What shall I do, senor? He ended, his voice vibrant with emotion. Before the amazed senor could take in the situation and answer this question, there was the sound of light flying feet on the balcony floor. The next moment, after one swift glance at her father, Florence dropped on her knees at his feet, exclaiming, daddy, are you sick? Startled at the sound of her voice, Dr. Blackwell almost jumped out of his chair. Florence, he cried. Florence, what's the matter, daddy? She asked anxiously. In the moment of silence that followed her question, she turned to senor Rodriguez. Tell me what's happened, senor. Where'd you come from? Dr. Blackwell put in before the senor could speak. How'd you get here? Oh, child, I've been so frightened and worried. I thought something terrible had happened to you and the girls. Where are they? Right here, answered Joanne, who had just come running in with Peggy. Don't blame Florence. It's really all my fault. Why, dad, there's nothing the matter with us. We're all right, said Florence, rising. We just went up on the roof and what are you girls talking about? He demanded, noticing for the first time their disreputable appearance. Their grimy faces, Jo's bloodstained shirt and their knickers. What have you been doing? We've been solving the mystery, eagerly explained Florence. What mystery? Why, the mystery of that strange little window in the back of the house. How did you get out of the house without unbolting the door? You know better than to go out at this hour of night. Don't scold, dad, begged Florence. We haven't been down on the street. We climbed through the little window and found a tunnel under the street. A tunnel, he repeated, bewildered. What in the world are you talking about? Why, there's a long tunnel that starts under the back of our house and goes under the street, clear to the church. And I don't know how much farther. There's a regular network of passages and while Florence stopped to catch her breath, her father turned to Senor Rodriguez. Do you know anything about a tunnel under the street? Senor Rodriguez shook his head, a puzzled expression on his face. By the time Florence had started talking again, her words tumbling over each other in her hurry. And we found lots of valuable things, candleabra, old papers and jewels, real jewels, diamonds, rubies. Open the box, Joanne, show them. With fingers fumbling in her haste, Joanne was already untying the string about the box. Her eyes shining, she turned its contents upon a chair in front of Dr. Blackwell. Under the bright lights, the jewels sparkled far more brilliantly than they had in the tunnel. In the silence that followed, the three girls waited breathlessly. What would Dr. Blackwell and the Senor say about their discovery? Would they be forgiven now for the anxiety they had caused? After a long pause, Dr. Blackwell gently pulled Florence down on the arm of his chair. They're beautiful, he said. But I shuddered to think of the risk you three took to get them, of what might have happened to you. No one would ever have known where you were. I'm so thankful to have you all back safe and sound. You're far more precious to me than these jewels. Oh, but Dr., it wasn't as dangerous as it sounds, putting Joanne eagerly. We were very careful. Recalling some of her moments of anxiety in the past few hours, she hesitated and added a little less confidently. Perhaps it was more dangerous than we realized, but we're all right now and wanted so badly to solve the mystery of that window and to surprise you. A smile passed over Dr. Blackwell's face. You surprised me all right? Encouraged by this change of expression on the doctor's face, Joanne went on. I'm sorry you were worried. We thought we'd get back before you discovered we were gone. You'll forgive us, won't you? Yes. Dr. Blackwell replied slowly. Provided you all promise never to risk your precious life that way again. Oh, we'll promise that, won't we girls? Florence and Peggy nodded an emphatic assent. With the wave of her hand toward the jewels, Joanne added, now that we've explored that tunnel and found all these were satisfied. She turned then and handed Senor Rodriguez the old yellowed papers. I'm sure you'll be interested in these papers. They look like old records. Curiously, the Senor unrolled one of the old documents and began reading it. Soon he was pouring over them, oblivious of everything else. In the meanwhile, the girls examined the jewels more closely and reveled in their beauty. Dr. Blackwell interrupted their chatter, finally saying, I haven't been able to piece together all your disjointed account of your adventures. Suppose you began at the first, Jo, since you were the originator of the whole thing and tell the whole story. Joanne needed no second invitation. She began at once to give a vivid account of their getting the rope and their climb to the roof. Then went on to their descent into the hidden room and the tunnel. And finally to the discovery of the candelabra, papers and jewelry. With the help of Peggy and Florence, not even the smallest detail was left untold. An amazing tale. Dr. Blackwell commented when they had finished. But I'm still shuddering about the rescue took. Eager to change the subject, Joanne turned to Senor Rodriguez and asked, can you make anything out of these papers? Yes, Miss Jo. There was a tinge of excitement in the Senor's voice in spite of his attempt to appear calm. They are very old records and I think they may be very valuable. One had the name of my grandmother's family. If they are what I think, ah, that would be wonderful. Something that has been lost for many, many years. How you say in English? The missing link? With your permission? I would like to take them to my office and study them. That's just what we want you to do. I can hardly wait to find out more about them. We like your advice too about what to do with all these beautiful things. She gestured toward the jewels and then reaching over, picked up the opal ring that had so fascinated her. This is the most beautiful opal I have ever seen. And it's said so artistically. I'm glad my birthday's in October. So it's not unlucky for me to wear an opal since I'm particularly fond of that stone. The Senor smiled. Since it's your lucky stone. Try this ring on, Miss Joe. Immediately, Joanne slipped the ring on her finger. Oh, Senor, it's lovely. While she was still admiring it, Peggy picked up the filigree necklace. This is the daintiest piece of all, I think, she remarked. And this is the most beautiful, according to my notion, small Florence, pointing to a bracelet of old gold set with sapphires and tiny diamonds. The sapphire is my birthstone. Senor Rodriguez was much pleased by the girl's admiration. The people of my country are very artistic. He said, they make many beautiful things. To whom do you think all these jewels and things belong? Joanne asked. And why were they put in that room under the church? Miss Jo, I do not know. I'm very sorry that I cannot answer you that. I've heard that long ago, in the words the people carried, they're most valuable things to the church for safekeeping. I may be able to find out who owns these from the papers. I'm sure these jewels are very valuable. Dr. Blackwell remarked in Spanish to the senor. I'm away so much that I don't like to leave the girls alone with them in the house. Would you take charge of them till you find out to whom they belong? Senor Rodriguez nodded. Yes, if you wish, doctor. I will be glad to take them and put them in my safe till I find out to whom they belong. End of section 16, recording by Mary Escano. Section 17 of The Secret of Casa Grande by Helen Randolph. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Mary Escano. The Senor's Story. In the days that followed the discovery of the papers and jewels, the girls were all impatient to hear from Senor Rodriguez. Joanne especially was restless. Always she had disliked inaction and now she wanted to find out everything right straight away. She failed to realize that the senor was having to search through scores of old city records for information and that like a true Spaniard, he was thorough, painstakingly accurate in every detail. Again and again the three girls talked over that eventful night and the unanswered questions. Why had those things been hidden in that underground room? Why had no one found them before? To whom did they belong? Since we found those things under the church, they probably belong to the church. Joanne declared thoughtfully one morning in one of these discussions. Her eyes suddenly began to shine as she added, I know what I'd wish they'd do if the jewels belonged to them. Sell them and take the money to restore that part of the building that's in ruins. The people are too poor to have it repaired, such an old historic building ought not to be allowed to fall into decay. Then if there were any money left after the repairing was done, it could be used for a special relief fund for the poor people. Those are both fine ideas, approved Florence. I wish I had enough money to buy that lovely filigree necklace if the jewels were sold, put in Peggy. Her face lengthened. I know though, it'd be more expensive than I could afford. I'd love to have that beautiful opal ring, spoke up Joanne wistfully. Florence half sighed as she added, that bracelet with my bird stone and the tiny diamonds were so attractive. To the girl's delight at lunch that day, Dr. Blackwell announced that at four o'clock, Senor Rodriguez was coming over to tell them what he had found out about the records and jewels. My, but I'm glad, exclaimed Joanne. I was beginning to think he'd never come. By half past three, the girls were waiting eagerly in Dr. Blackwell's office for the Senors coming. Peggy and Florence chatted gaily with Dr. Blackwell, but Joanne kept glancing nervously at her watch. She felt that this was one of the most important events in her whole life. If only she could be instrumental in restoring that old church. That would be wonderful. At last, voices were heard in the hall and Felipe ushered in Senor Rodriguez. And to their surprise, Padre Ignacio. As soon as greetings had been exchanged, Senor Rodriguez placed the yellow papers on the table and beside them to jewel box, which no longer was black, but bright and shining. Why, the box is silver, thought Joanne amazed. He's had it polished till it's beautiful. Senor Rodriguez was all lawyer now, dignified and formal. My dear young ladies, I have the honor of congratulate you on the wonderful discovery you have made. He began in his broken English, bowing to each of the girls. These are very valuable papers which you have found, very valuable to the city, very valuable to the church and to my family. He added, smiling. The girls smiled back happily. They didn't understand all that he was talking about or why they should receive so much praise. But evidently, their discovery was more important than they had realized. He then went on to explain how, after searching through the archives of the city, studying old records and checking names and dates, he felt that he could give some authentic information about the papers. They were records dating before 1846 of some of the oldest, most prominent families of the city. Several of the older inhabitants with whom he had talked remembered having heard their parents tell of the exciting times when the city had been besieged by the American forces under General Zachary Taylor. As soon as they had realized they could hold out no longer against the Americans, they had hidden their most valuable possessions of which only a small part had ever been recovered. Tales of vast treasures hidden under the city had been handed down from generation to generation, but few of them seemed to have any foundation. This General Guerrero whose name you see on this paper continued the senior picking up one of the papers. Was the father of my esteemed grandfather. They are the records of the families of Guerrero and Rodriguez before 1846. Finding them will clear the titles to some very valuable property which belonged to my family. Oh, senior, I'm so glad, exclaimed Florence. We are too, aren't we Peggy? Added Joanne. The senior went on to say that when he showed the jewels and papers to his grandmother, she recalled a story told to her in her childhood by her mother just before she died. According to the story, her husband, General Guerrero at the time of the siege, had given her some important papers which had told her to guard above everything. When the general had realized that the city could no longer hold out, he had sent the messenger with a hastily written note telling her to send those valuable papers and their jewels to him by this man. She had reluctantly handed the papers and jewels to the messenger, but that was the last she had ever heard or seen of them. As the general had been killed that same day, she supposed the things had been either lost or stolen. For that reason, no effort was ever made to recover them. And these are the papers that were lost. Finished the senior. How very fortunate it is that you find them. But how could they have ever gotten that secret underground room? Asked Florence. Senior Rodriguez shook his head. That I do not know. I think perhaps someone carried them to the padre and he hide them along with other valuable things which had been sent to him. The tunnels under the church had been used for carrying reinforcements and fought to the army at the outskirts of the city. That is why they could hold out so long against the American forces. No wonder we couldn't find the other end of the tunnel, exclaimed Joann. It must be several miles long. She turns to Senior Rodriguez. Do the jewels belong to your family too? Ah, that I do not know. Some of them I think belong to my family, but it is impossible to be sure. My grandmother says she sure this little ring, this little ring you admire so much, Miss Jo, was her grandmother Guerrero's ring. He went on to explain how, since they had no way of finding exactly to whom the jewels had belonged. They had decided it would be better to return them to the church, as he had been very poor for years. Oh, Señor, exclaimed Joann, her eyes shining. Will there be enough money then to repair that old ruined part of the church? I think an old historic building like that ought to be restored. The Señor smiled approvingly. That is a very good plan, Miss Jo. The padre and I have already discussed that. He went on to add that the jewels alone would not be sufficient to furnish funds for the restoring of the building, but that some of the old papers cleared up titles to valuable property belong to the church, and that from this property enough could be secured for that purpose. I'm so glad you're going to do that, Rejoice Joann. That old church has held a fascination for me from the first time I saw it, to think that we girls will have a part in restoring it. That is wonderful, and they can use those beautiful candelabras we found, put in Florence. When they restore that part of the building, they'll open the passage to those underground rooms, and it'll be easy to get the candelabra out then, said Joann. She turned to the Señor and the padre. You might find more valuable things down there. We didn't search thoroughly. She stopped the moment, then added, won't there be enough people to help those poor people who attend the church? Señor Rodriguez nodded. We hope so. You want very much to do that. He turned and translated Joann's words to the padre, who also nodded approvingly. Padre Ignacio and I are very happy that you young ladies are so much interest in our people. The Señor added then. And we would like to do something to show you how much we appreciate what you have done. So we have decided to give you each what you like best of the jewels. The girls exchanged swift glances of surprise. He poured out the jewels on the table. I believe Miss Peggy liked this necklace. Is it not so? He handed her the filigree necklace she had admired so much. Oh, Señor, gasped Peggy, staring wide-eyed at the bit of loveliness in her hands. He meant this is really mine? See, Miss Peggy, it is with much pleasure that I present it to you. And Miss Florencita, did you not say you liked this bracelet? He placed the jewel-set bracelet in her hands. Oh, but Señor, that is too valuable to give to me, protested Florence. No, no. He replied, patting her on the shoulder. It is of no value compared to what you have done for us. And now, Miss Joe, will you please come here one moment? With cheeks flushed from excitement, Joanne rose from her chair and came over to the Señor's side. To you, my most esteemable friend, he began. You, who have been so much interest in our city, in the history of our country, and who, how do you say it? Ah, figure things out, who have accomplished something that seemed impossible. And restore to us these very valuable papers. We want to give this token of appreciation, this little ring. He held up the beautiful opal and diamond ring that Joanne had selected as her favorite of all the jewels. I think that this once belonged to my great-great-grandmother. Joanne's eyes shone star-like. It's beautiful, beautiful. But it's such a valuable heirloom to give to me. Because it is an heirloom, I want all the more to give it to you, my friend. The Señor smiled warmly over at her. Let me put it on your finger. All happiness, Joanne held out her right hand. And the Señor slipped the ring on her third finger, with all the dignity of a ceremonial. With equal dignity, she bowed and said slowly, I thank you very much for this wonderful gift and for the honor of wearing your ancestor's ring. The end. End of Section 17, recording by Mary Escano. End of The Secret of Casa Grande by Helen Randolph.