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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Kids
- Theme: Mystery
- Subject: Novels
- Published: 02/05/2025
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CHAPTER ONE
Jason Betelli’s phone began to ring in his back pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. “Hey, it’s Julie.”
It was the first day of the holidays, and Luke Mills had come over to hang out in Jason’s room. The boys looked at each other, curious about what Julie might have to say. They knew Julie Kostas—the third member of their kid detectives team—was spending the first week of the holidays at Windemere Mansion, her aunt’s sprawling, old estate.
Jason lifted the phone to his ear. "Hey, Julie! How's it going? How's your first day with your aunt so far?" As Luke watched, Jason's expression grew serious. "Oh, really?" he said, nodding slowly. "Okay, sounds like we've got a mystery on our hands right at the start of the holidays." He paused, listening closely, then finished, "Alright, we’ll get permission and let you know when we’re on our way."
Jason slipped his phone back into his pocket and looked at Luke. "Julie wants us to come to her aunt's place, she’s arranged for us to stay in the Summer House on the estate. Her aunt has noticed some valuable antiques and paintings are missing. The Mansion is packed with artefacts, antiques, and paintings, so it's hard for her to keep track of everything. Julie volunteered us to help solve the mystery, and her aunt agreed. I guess she will be calling the Police as well.”
Luke and Jason arrived the next day after a three hour train ride and half mile walk from the Station. The Mansion, though very old, was impeccably maintained. Its stone walls, clad in a veil of ivy, stood strong and proud. Tall, narrow windows lent an aura of stately elegance. Steep gables and chimneys rose sharply from a roof of slate tiles. A sweeping gravel driveway curved up to the Mansion’s grand double doors, painted in a deep green.
The grounds around the Mansion are lush and carefully maintained, with a blend of manicured gardens and wildflower meadows. Flowerbeds burst with color from seasonal blooms, and ancient oaks stand as silent guardians along winding paths. Just a short stroll from the main house, nestled amidst a grove of shady elms and lilacs, was the Summer House.
It is small but also well maintained, with freshly painted white walls and green shutters that match the Mansion’s doors. Ivy trails gently up the corners, giving it a quaint charm. Inside, the Summer House is furnished for guests with comfort and style. wicker chairs with plump colorful cushions, two sofa’s, and a round wooden table in the front room. At the back, one bedroom, a kitchen, and small bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with warm sunlight, and the scent of fresh lavender and rosemary, fills the air.
Julie first took the boys into the house to meet her Aunt. The Mansion’s interior had an atmosphere of bygone grandeur that was both charming and eerie, with a heavy stillness that filled every room. The main entryway opened into a grand foyer with an opulent yet cluttered arrangement of antique furniture, such as carved mahogany sideboards and velvet-lined armchairs. An elaborate chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its crystals catching glimmers of light in the otherwise dim room. Ornate Persian rugs cover the hardwood floors, their colors dulled by time.
The walls of every room and hallway are densely lined with a mix of paintings, from delicate portraits in gilded frames to dramatic landscapes. Many are older than the Mansion itself, adding a historical depth to the place. Glass cabinets hold rows of artefacts—ancient relics, carved jade figurines, and delicate bone china teacups balanced on dusty shelves. Other cabinets contained mysterious artefacts that hint at even more curious origins. Large mirrors with tarnished silver backings and ornate twisted frames reflected the dim light, casting strange, shifting shadows that filled the boys with an eerie unease.
Upstairs, the rooms are equally packed with antique wardrobes, brass-framed beds, and armory's with doors that creak as they open. At the end of a narrow, winding staircase is the attic, which feels like a treasure trove of the Mansion’s forgotten history. Here, vintage trunks and crates lie stacked in chaotic piles, each brimming with items like faded documents, sepia-toned photographs, and elaborate costumes from another era. It’s a quiet, mysterious place, where the echoes of the past seem just within reach.
CHAPTER TWO
Julie’s aunt, Mrs. Windemere, was a kindly old lady with a twinkle in her eye. An elegant yet eccentric woman in her mid-60s with a regal presence that commanded respect. Her silver-streaked hair is always impeccably styled, and she favors classic attire—tailored suits during the day and flowing evening gowns adorned with delicate jewelry at night. She lives alone in her grand Mansion, surrounded by well-kept gardens and patrolled by her loyal staff of a butler, a cook, a housekeeper, and gardener, all of whom she treats like family.
Though she is generally reserved, Mrs. Windemere had a lively wit and a keen sense of curiosity. She’s a collector of rare books and antique maps, hinting at her adventurous past when she travelled extensively across Europe and Asia. She has a soft spot for Julie. When asked, she can tell interesting stories of her travels. She is somewhat strict about manners and expects others to uphold her high standards. Underneath her polished exterior, however, there’s a glimmer of intrigue—perhaps an old, mysterious connection or a secret she’s guarded for years, which the kids might stumble upon.
The old lady shook the boys hands. “Very nice to meet you Luke and Jason, any friend of Julie is a friend of mine. My house is like a second home to Julie, and I want you boys to feel the same way about it. You have free access to the house at all times while you are here. The place is very old and will probably seem like a museum to young boys like yourselves,” she said laughing. “I will leave Julie to tell you about the missing items. The Police are investigating the disappearances”
Julie took the one bedroom at the summer house. The boys would sleep in their sleeping bags, on the sofa’s in the front room. Once they were settled, they gathered in the front room to discuss how to approach the investigation into the missing items. Julie had some ideas. "First, let’s make a list of everyone who has access to the Mansion around the clock. Then, we can examine what items were taken and see if there’s a common link between them. Finally, we should take a closer look at where each item was stolen from—we’ll be looking for clues there."
“Sounds good, Luke agreed, I’m surprised your Aunt does not have any alarms in the house, the value of all the stuff must be in the millions of dollars.”
“That is because she hardly ever leaves the house, Julie replied, and the staff are always in the house.”
“With all those valuable items you would think she would at least employ a full time security guard,” Jason added.
“She trusts the staff for that, Julie said, most of them have been with her for years. They are tremendously loyal to her.”
Luke raised his eyebrows. “She might be mistaken in that. It has to be someone she trusts, who has access to the house, who has decided to help themselves to your aunts collection.”
“She will be disappointed if that is the case, Julie said, hopefully we can uncover what is happening.” Julie placed a page of notepaper on the table. “I have written a list of the staff, and people who regularly visit the Mansion.”
The household staff includes:
James, the butler, a dignified man around 60 years of age.
Mrs. Braithwaite, the housekeeper, assisted by two younger maids, Mary and Louise.
Mrs. Jensen, the cook, a middle-aged woman, with her assistant, Anna.
Harry Barker, the gardener, who works with two full-time assistants, Jem and Peter.
Additionally, a cleaning company sends three cleaners twice a week to help with the dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning of the collection and cabinets. It’s always the same three cleaners who come to the house.
Regular deliveries of food and supplies are made by various drivers, although those delivery drivers have minimal access to the interior. Likewise, it’s rare for Jem and Peter, the gardener’s assistants, to have any need to enter the house.
CHAPTER THREE
The kids decided to wait until evening to visit the spot where the valuables had disappeared. Julie guided the boys to the Eastern wing of the Mansion. The Eastern wing felt like a step back in time, with its dark wood-paneled walls and heavy crimson velvet curtains framing tall, narrow windows that filter in thin streams of light. Antique cabinets lined the walls, each filled with delicate porcelain, gilded sculptures, and curious artefacts from distant lands. A massive, ornately carved fireplace dominates one wall, with a marble mantel adorned by candlesticks and brass figurines. Above it, a grand oil painting of a regal ancestor keeps a silent watch, its eyes seeming to follow anyone who enters.
Scattered about the rooms were polished tables holding intricate brass clocks and elegant crystal vases, while velvet-upholstered armchairs create cozy, imposing, seating nooks. Along the walls hang a series of faded paintings—landscapes, portraits, and mysterious scenes—adding an air of mystery. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and faint traces of leather from old books in the corner bookshelf. Julie led the boys into a narrow corridor lined with paintings, antiques, and artefacts, on shelves and alcoves set into the wall.
"This is it," Julie said, pointing to the wall where two darker squares stood out, marking where paintings had once hung. A few feet further along, she gestured toward three empty alcoves. "There were two artefacts here—and an antique vase."
"Do you know what the paintings showed—and what the other three items were?" Luke asked.
“Yes, Julie replied, one was an old farm scene, the other a battle scene. Both very old paintings. The antique vase was deep cobalt-blue porcelain with intricate silver inlay. It’s a tall, slender piece with a gracefully flared rim, decorated with delicate floral patterns and a band of swirling vines.”
“The artefacts were a small bronze statuette of a mythical creature, about four inches tall. Its form is that of a lion with the wings of an eagle, posed in a crouched position as if ready to pounce, and a delicate ceramic box, hand-painted with scenes of rolling hills and an ancient city. The box was only about two inches square, and the lid lifted to reveal a velvet-lined interior.”
“Doesn’t seem to be any common denominator among those things, Jason suggested, it looks as if the thief took random items.”
“Yes, that’s what I thought, ”Julie agreed.
CHAPTER FOUR
“I think,” Luke said as they were eating their evening meal from the food Julies Aunt had generously placed in the summer house, “the best thing we can do now is stakeout the East wing for a couple of nights, and see what happens. Go in at midnight and watch three hours.” He glanced at the others. “We have an advantage over the Police, because we are here all the time. and can give twenty four hours a day to the investigation.”
“Good idea Luke, Jason nodded, we don’t have anything else to work with at present. What do you think Julie?”
“Yes, let’s do it, we can start tonight.”
Near midnight, the three friends slipped into the house and headed toward the East Wing. This part of the mansion was rarely used, leaving most of it shrouded in shadows. Only a few dim table lamps and the occasional floor lamp cast faint pools of light, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
When they came to the narrow corridor, they realized their mistake in not bringing torches. One floor lamp at each end was the total of the lighting, which left the corridor very dark. Shadows pooled in the centre, shifting slightly as they moved, making it hard to tell where the floor ended and the walls began. Every step they took echoed softly, heightening the eerie stillness.
“Should have brought torches, ”Jason whispered. Oh well, to late now.”
They decided to position themselves at the far end of the corridor, just inside a doorway where they could peek around the edge with little chance of being spotted. The shadows cloaked them, and from this vantage point, they could watch the corridor without drawing attention to themselves. Holding their breath, they leaned forward just enough to glimpse down the hall, feeling both hidden and vulnerable in the dark silence.
The first hour and a half dragged on endlessly. Constantly peeking around the door left their necks stiff and sore, each movement more strained than the last. Time felt like it had slowed, each minute stretching into the next, as if the darkness itself was deliberately slowing time down.
Then suddenly! “Thunder-birds are go” Jason whispered hoarsely. “I hear footsteps.”
The others listened intently, straining to hear. Yes, faint footsteps reached their ears, A person moving about in the corridor. To many shadows made it impossible to make out the person’s face or any defining features. They were nothing more than a shadow, a dark silhouette against the gloom. The kids held their breath as they watched. Slowly, the figure reached up and carefully removing a painting. And placed it against the wall, on the floor. Then, without a sound, the figure moved to the opposite wall, where they reached into one of the alcoves and retrieved something hidden in the shadows.
“We need light!” Julie whispered hoarsely. She backed into the room and began a frantic search for something that would give them more light. Luke crouched and sneaked across the corridor into another room looking around for the same thing. Finally Julie noticed a lamp without a cord. It must have been battery powered because it lit up when she pressed the on button. Grabbing it she moved quickly and quietly out into the corridor. Luke had not had any luck, but Julies lamp was sufficient to improve their visibility.
The three of them walked boldly down the corridor, Julie holding the lamp high. The corridor was deserted, empty.
“Where did they go?” Jason said wide eyed. “I don’t think they could have heard us.”
The painting was gone and another alcove was empty. “They must be making their way back, to leave the house, Luke whispered, let’s go!”
Using Julie’s lamp, the kids moved through the house much faster than they had on the way in. But it was all for nothing—they saw and heard no trace of anyone carrying a painting or an artefact. The front door was shut tight, with no signs of anyone leaving recently
"That's strange," Jason murmured. "We’d have caught up to anyone carrying a painting and an artefact through the house in the dark. It’s like they vanished into thin air!"
Julie placed the lamp on a table in the foyer, and the kids slipped out of the mansion, carefully pulling the front door shut behind them. A faint moonlight guided their steps along the path to the summer house, casting eerie shadows across the lawn. As they entered the summer house, Luke reached for the light switch, but Jason seized his arm.
“Don’t turn it on, Luke—someone’s coming. Get down!”
They dropped to the floor, crouching low. Through the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, they could make out a shadowy figure gliding past the summer house. The figure moved in near silence, and in the darkness, their features were impossible to distinguish. The kids held their breath, watching as the mysterious shape disappeared into the night.
"Quick, let’s go after them!" Jason whispered urgently. Without waiting for a reply, he took off across the lawn, his footsteps light and swift. Luke and Julie exchanged a quick glance before darting after him, struggling to keep pace as the dark entity slipped through the dark ahead of them.
When Luke and Julie caught up to Jason, he stood with his hands on his hips, frowning at the empty path ahead.
"Something strange is going on," he said. "I saw them just up ahead, a dark shapes, but by the time I got here, they’d vanished. Very creepy!"
Julie pulled out her phone. “It’s 3 AM, we may as well get some sleep, and talk about in the morning.”
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, the kids tumbled out of bed, rubbing their eyes and yawning like they’d just come back from another planet. Staying up all night had definitely thrown them for a loop, and they were moving at the pace of sleepy turtles. Breakfast was at 11am—a far cry from their usual morning routine. Clearly, they’d need some time to get used to this late-night adventure lifestyle, They munched on cereal and toast and honey, and blinked at each other through bleary eyes This ‘night work’ was going to be an interesting challenge!
It took Jason a good ten minutes to get his brain to catch up with the rest of him. He sat there, staring into space. Then, like a light bulb slowly flickering on, he snapped out of it. “There’s got to be some kind of connection between what happened last night! I mean, think about it: One person, and then another, out at the same time in the middle of the night, and both ‘poof’—gone without a single clue. No way that’s just a coincidence. It was way too weird to be anything but connected!”
Julie walked to the Mansion to chat with her Aunt. Luke and Jason went for a wander across the sprawling Estate. The fresh air and sunshine felt good. The gardens stretched out with towering old trees and winding paths. While they strolled their eyes darted around, always alert for something unusual. They came upon Jem and Peter working in a flower bed and got into conversation with them. During the chat, Luke asked how long the two men had been working at the Estate. Jem responded without hesitation, saying, "It's been a year for Harry and me.” Peter spoke up saying, “I have only been here a month.” Jem then explained that he had joined the Mansion staff alongside Harry, who had started working there about the same time.
Later that afternoon, the three friends gathered at the summer house. Julie spoke up. “I didn’t mention last night to my Aunt. I’ll tell her when we understand what is happening.”
Jason nodded thoughtfully. “I think we’ve stumbled on something. Two of those gardeners, they’ve only been working at the Estate for about a year, and Peter has only been here a month” He leaned forward, “They might not have the same loyalty as the others who’ve been here forever, you know? The long-time staff truly care about the place and its history. But the newer ones… they might be more easily tempted.”
The three friends exchanged glances, realizing that this insight could shift everything. It was a small lead, but it felt significant.
"Right now, this is all we've got," Luke said, his voice determined. "If they’re up to something, we’ll only know by watching them closely. But we have to be smart—if they even suspect we're onto them, they'll shut down fast. We have to stay completely under the radar and pick up whatever we can without them catching on."
CHAPTER SIX
The next morning, the plan to watch the gardeners paid off big time. The kids noticed Harry Barker deep in conversation with a stranger near the estate entrance. They leaned close, their voices low, heads tilted together in a way that made it clear this wasn’t ordinary chit-chat. Every few seconds, Harry’s eyes darted around, scanning the area, as if he were expecting someone to overhear. His nervous glances and tense posture told the whole story—whatever they were talking about was something they wanted kept quiet.
Julie sprang to her feet and grabbed her bag. “I’m off to Aunt Windemere’s!” she called to the boys with a spark in her eyes. Ideas had been whirling around her head all morning. This felt big—she had a feeling today’s conversation would be the start of some real progress in their investigation.
Jason had his own ideas. He strode out of the summer house, his pace quick and determined. Just before vanishing around the corner, he glanced back at Luke, who was still stretched out lazily in the sun. "Back soon," he called,” Luke gave a casual nod, oblivious to the fact that Jason was setting wheels in motion that could change their investigation.
About an hour later, Jason and Julie both had news. They were buzzing with excitement. They’d been piecing things together on their own, and now they could hardly wait to share.
Jason leaned in. "I climbed over the fence," he said, "just to get a better look at that guy’s car—the one Harry was been talking too. The car wasn’t close. It was parked a hundred yards down the road, tucked just out of the sight of anybody on the Estate. I could not see much at first, then I noticed it. On the back window, Jason continued, there were words, small letters, like a business decal. It read, *J. Smith – Paintings and Antiques bought and sold.*
He paused, letting the significance sink in. This wasn’t just some random friend in Harry's life. This guy had ties to something bigger. Pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together. Luke and Jason looked expectantly at Julie, impatient to hear what she would say next.
I asked my Aunt “Do you know if there are any secret rooms or hidden passages in the mansion?”
“Well,” she said slowly, “I can’t say I know of any for sure, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there were a few tucked away somewhere. You see, a lot of old houses like this one—especially grand, mysterious ones—were built with hidden places. People back then had plenty of reasons to hide. Some hid to escape religious persecution or political trouble, while others were fleeing from wars that changed everything. So who knows? This mansion might just be holding its own secrets, waiting for you young people to uncover them.”
Julie continued, “she gave me an intriguing piece of information. There is an old book in Mansion’s library. This particular book is said to contain the complete history of the house. My Aunt believed that if we took a look at this book, we might discover something.”
That was their next move, to visit the library and see what hidden secrets the book might hold. Finding the book turned out to be surprisingly easy. It was a massive tome, with thick, weathered pages, printed all the way back in 1758, *The Chronicles of the Manor of Windemere*, was stamped in bold, golden letters across the spine. To the kids it promised long-lost stories and secrets hidden for centuries. it had history, mystery, and the kind of presence that made them itch to dive into whatever was inside.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The biggest hurdle was deciding where to even start. When it came to ancient books, finding specific information was nothing like it is today. These old texts didn’t have the modern conveniences we take for granted, like tables of contents or indexes. There was no quick flip to a page labelled "secret rooms" that would hand you all the clues you needed. Instead, you had to dive into the text, leafing through page after page, hunting for any mention of hidden spaces or secret passages. It was like embarking on a treasure hunt, except you had no map, and no idea where the treasure was buried. The task demanded patience and a keen eye, turning each page into a maze of potential leads, and making the whole process feel like a mountain too steep to climb. Every page was packed with information, but narrowing it down to the single detail you were after? That was the real challenge.
Julie, Jason, and Luke sat at the table, taking turns to flip through the pages of the book. When one of them started to feel tired, perhaps losing focus or struggling to keep their eyes on the small print, another would step in to take over the reading. This rhythm allowed them to share the effort and keep the flow going, making it easier to absorb the information together. As they switched roles, the familiar saying from Charlie Chan popped back into their minds, a quote they had often found to ring true in many situations: "Detective need much patience." This saying seemed particularly fitting as they continued their reading, highlighting the need for patience and persistence.
It was beginning to look like they would be at it until sunset, and may even need to return tomorrow. Jason lifted the back cover of the book to gauge how many pages were left to read. With a sigh he let it drop back onto the table. As he did a yellowish paper fluttered from between the end pages, and fell on to the floor. Jason bent down, picked it up, and examined it. It was covered with writing. And this is what he read:
“I, Eric Welton, have found and discovered a most strange thing. But I have not told any person. I will write it here for him to read, who doth find this book. I have found the Secret Room. It is on the narrow passage, in the East wing of the Manor. The manner of the hiding of the spring is this. The oak panel is carved and ornamented with roses. The twenty-seventh rose from the end of the passage contains a hidden spring. If the rose be pushed upwards it will slide up, and also four inches of the panel. Below this lies a picture, engraven upon steel, of a horse’s head. If his eye be pressed the spring will be released, and a panel of the wall will slide away. The room is beyond, and a staircase, and a tunnel out of the land.”
Julie and Luke, who had been casually browsing the bookshelves, turned at the sound of Jason's sing-song voice. "Got it!" he called, grinning as he waved the yellowed piece of paper triumphantly in the air. Julie and Luke dashed over, hearts racing with excitement, eager to discover what had brought their hard work to an unexpected end.
Luke leaned forward, his fingers brushing Jason's hand as he took the paper with a quick but careful motion. His eyes sparked with curiosity as he unfolded it, and without wasting a beat, he began reading aloud. His voice rang out, steady and clear, with just the right amount of emphasis on the key phrases that made the words come alive. His tone shifted to match the gravity of the message,
“Whoopee! Let’s put it to the test.” He cried.
Julie felt her heartbeat quicken, a rush of excitement bubbling up inside her that she could hardly contain. “What say we search for the mechanism?” she proposed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “We could find out if it really works as this paper says. And then, after we figure it out, we can sneak back here before midnight. We can find a hiding spot to watch and see who actually shows up.”
Luke and Jason exchanged quick nods, their eyes sparking with excitement. The three of them, brimming with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, set off toward the East wing. The hallways were eerily quiet, with the faint sound of their footsteps bouncing off the walls. As they neared their destination, they exchanged glances, their faces alight with unspoken understanding—this was it. Something big was about to unfold.
On the way, Julie said, “If the secret door really exists, it would explain why valuables are disappearing from that area. It’s so close to both the door and the hidden room. Whoever is taking the items could easily slip out, grab a few things, and then vanish back through the door, greatly reducing the risk of being caught.”
“Yeah Jason agreed, that would be our answer to the disappearance of the figure in the corridor. They slipped back through the door with the painting and artefact, while we were looking for something to give more light.”
As they reached the narrow corridor’s far end, the kids stopped. Along the wall, a strip of polished wood was adorned with a line of finely carved roses, each one delicate and perfect. Their excitement growing with each number, they began counting aloud, their voices echoing off the close walls.
“One… two… three… four… five…”
They continued, their voices gaining urgency.
“Twenty-five… twenty-six… twenty-seven!”
At the twenty-seventh rose, they paused, recalling the instructions from the note they’d found. Julie, her heart pounding, pressed the rose gently upward. To their amazement, it slid without a hitch, revealing a small metal plate beneath, gleaming faintly in the dim light—a horse’s head, intricately engraved and looking fierce and majestic.
Julie’s fingers shook with excitement as she pressed the horse’s large, round eye. Instantly, a section of the oak panel shifted with a soft, hidden creak, uncovering a narrow opening wide enough to allow one person through at a time.
“Cool!” Jason murmured.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The trio leaned forward, eyes wide as they stared down three ancient steps leading into a room below. A surge of excitement buzzed between them. Hearts pounding, they started down, one cautious step at a time, their sneakers scraping against the gritty stone. As soon as the last of them reached the bottom, the panel behind them slid shut with a soft *thud.*
Jason whipped around, his voice edged with worry. “I hope we can figure out how to open that again?” His face scrunched in a mix of alarm and doubt.
At the bottom, they stood in a long, narrow room. To their right was a smaller, empty room beyond an arched entrance. A door was open at the far end of the main room. Fifteen steps took them down to a dark, narrow passage winding off into the distance. The ceiling was low—barely six feet high—adding to the eerie feeling of secrecy.. Neither the rooms nor the passage had any lighting, and a musty, old scent lingered in the air.
“We are underground now,” Luke said.
Squinting into the darkness ahead, they could just make out the faint, twisting outline of a spiral staircase some thirty feet down the passage, its steps vanishing upward into the shadows.
"Let's at least see where that staircase leads," Jason urged, his voice brimming with curiosity. Without hesitation, they moved forward, carefully navigating the narrow, spiralling stairs. Each step creaked ominously beneath them as they climbed, the air growing colder with every turn, adding an eerie chill to the darkened ascent.
At the top, Luke pushed against a wooden door, which groaned in protest then lifted a few inches. In an instant they could see the stars through the gap. The door's exterior was smothered in a thick tangle of ivy, its green tendrils creeping over the wood as though trying to reclaim it.
"Looks like this is the garden at the side of the Mansion," Luke said, brushing aside a stray vine. "I bet this is where that figure disappeared too. They must have come through here and then down into the passage."
His eyes narrowed as he gazed out, as if expecting to spot their elusive shadow lurking just beyond the door. The air was filled with the scent of earth and plants.
"Looks like the tunnel goes beyond the Estate’s grounds, maybe all the way to the road," Julie said, her eyes narrowing as she thought it through. "Think about it—it’d be perfect for moving the paintings and antiques out without a trace. They could load everything into a vehicle at the other end, far from the house, so no one would see a thing happening here. It’s a pretty slick way to keep everything hidden, no chance of anyone spotting the stolen items on their way out."
"Alright, let’s move," Julie said, her voice sharp with determination. "We need to be back just before midnight. We can take shelter in that smaller room. No lights in here, so they’ll have to rely on their torches. That means we won’t be seen."
With a swift motion, Julie pressed down on a silver lever at the top of the three steps. A soft click rang out, breaking the silence, and the hidden panel slid open again smoothly.
“Cool!” murmured Jason
When the trio were in the corridor, Julie slid the rose down again. The panel responded, closing shut with flawless precision, as if it had never been disturbed. The hidden passage sealed itself with a finality that left no trace of its presence—just a perfect, silent secret locked behind them.
CHAPTER NINE
The kids gathered around the dinner table for their evening meal, eager to fuel their bodies for the task that awaited them later. A hearty meal was essential to prepare them for their upcoming spy work. Finishing their meal, they knew they were ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead in the secret room.
At midnight, Julie reopened the hidden panel, her heart pounding in the stillness. This time, they came prepared, their torches cutting through the darkness, sharp beams of light. One by one, the friends slipped into the cramped side room, their movements quiet and deliberate. Once inside, they switched off their torches and settled into position, their breaths barely audible as they braced themselves for what could be a long wait.
By one o'clock, Jason had fallen asleep, his head resting heavily on Luke's shoulder. Luke didn’t mind the weight but stayed on alert, ready to nudge Jason awake at the first hint of a snore. By 2 a.m. all three were struggling to keep their eyes open. But the sudden groan of the door at the top of the spiral stairs jolted them awake, the adrenaline surge, putting them instantly on high alert.
They held their breath, straining to hear as the visitor descended the stairs with deliberate, unhurried steps. A powerful torch beam swept through the passage, then the room, its movements casual. The intruder's confidence was clear—this wasn’t the first venture into the secret room, and past successes had bred a sense of confidence.
The visitor moved purposefully toward the sliding panel. The bright beam of the torch caught the edge of the panel, casting a sharp reflection. Peeping around the small room's entrance, the kids caught a fleeting glimpse of the visitor's face—just enough to recognize him. It was Harry Barker, the gardener.
“Gotcha!” Jason whispered triumphantly.
The panel slid open, and Harry Barker stepped through, the soft click of the mechanism sealing behind him. Fifteen minutes passed in tense silence before the panel slid open once more. This time, Barker emerged, carrying two paintings. He set them carefully against the wall, then pressed the silver lever and vanished again. When he returned, his arms were loaded with four items, though the darkness concealed their details from the watching kids.
“He’s gone for the big haul this time,” Jason whispered.
Julie looked at Jason frowning, her finger lifted to her lips.
Once the panel slid shut, Barker made two trips to carry the six items down to the base of the spiral staircase. After setting them down, he ascended the stairs empty-handed, the door groaning again as it opened. Then he disappeared into the night.
The kids emerged from their hiding spot, relieved to stretch their legs and ease the stiffness in their muscles.
"Everything happens at night," Julie remarked. "He’s got the stuff ready for pickup—hopefully, tomorrow night."
CHAPTER TEN
The next night, as the clock approached midnight, the kids gathered their courage and excitement, making their way back to the hidden panel. Their hearts raced with the thrill of the adventure that lay ahead, completely unaware of the sinister presence that loomed in the shadows. A dark figure lingered in the background, carefully observing them as they slipped out of the old summer house and into the cool night air. This figure moved silently, following closely behind them, blending into the darkness like a shadow.
As they reached the secret panel, Julie took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. The panel clicked open with a satisfying sound. The kids felt a rush of exhilaration as they stepped through the opening and into the hidden room beyond. Unbeknownst to them, the dark figure stayed hidden, watching intently, taking in every moment of their secretive journey.
After the panel had securely closed, the dark figure remained in place, maintaining its silent watch. It stood there, unmoving, keeping a close eye on everything. It waited patiently seeming to blend into the shadows, almost becoming a part of the dark corridor. The vigil continued, as the figure stayed alert, focused on what was unfolding. It had a job to do, and it wasn’t going anywhere until the moment was right.
Julie, Jason, and Luke carefully stepped down the three stairs, their hearts racing as they made their way back to the hiding spot they had chosen earlier. The room was dark, but they knew exactly where they were headed. As they moved across the floor, trying to be as quiet as possible, suddenly a bright beam of light cut through the darkness. The strong glow from a powerful torch hit them squarely, freezing them in their tracks. They stood there, caught in the blinding light, unsure of what to do next as they realized the unexpected had happened.
"So, you know about our little secret, do you?" Harry Gardener's voice rang out, sharp and unyielding. The kids felt a chill run down their spines as they caught sight of him. The beam from the powerful flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the tense scene. In that bright light, they could see the hard lines on Harry's face and the way his eyes narrowed as he looked at them with malice. Beside him stood Jem, equally serious, his expression matching the weight of the moment. The kids exchanged nervous glances, realizing that they had been caught in their presumption that nothing would happen until later.. The air around them felt thick with tension, and the night hung heavily in the silence between them.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Harry spoke once more, his voice steady and firm. "Get the ropes, Jem. We need to tie these kids up until we can figure out what to do next."
The situation felt tense as the kids looked around, realizing they were completely outmatched. The two strong men towered over them, and there was nowhere to run. They knew there was little they could do against the strength of Harry and Jem. They allowed themselves to be escorted into the smaller room that felt even more confined and restrictive. Once inside, they were quickly bound hand and foot, leaving them unable to free themselves. The kids had no choice but to accept their fate for the moment, waiting for the two men to decide how they would proceed from there.
"We're going to need to gather a lot of stuff this time," Harry said, his voice low and serious. "These kids knowing what we’re up to means we can’t waste any more time. This is the last shot we have at this." He glanced around, taking in the surroundings before continuing. "We should aim to grab about nine or ten more items for this load. We need to be quick and careful. Let’s focus on what we can carry. This is it—we have to make it count."
In the dimly lit corridor, the dark figure stood waiting patiently.. The quiet was suddenly broken as the sleek panel in the wall slid open with a soft hiss. The movement drew the figure’s attention like a moth to a flame. Out from the opening stepped Harry, looking a bit uncertain but determined. Right behind him was Jem, who seemed more confident. Together, they moved into the space, completely unaware of the dark presence watching them closely from the depths of the corridor.
"Pick smaller paintings and items that will be easier to carry," Harry instructed again, his voice firm but calm. The two of them set to work immediately, searching for objects of value. For the next fifteen minutes, they rummaged around, carefully selecting a variety of smaller paintings, intricate trinkets, and other valuable items. They created a neat pile on the floor by the panel. Once they felt satisfied with their collection, Harry moved the rose up and pressed on the eye of the horse. The panel slid open once more. With a sense of urgency, they swiftly moved all the carefully chosen items into the darkness of the secret room. As they worked, the shadowy figure observed from a distance, silently watching as the panel closed behind them.
With the panel securely closed behind them, the figure quietly stepped away from the corridor, making their way back through the dimly lit house. Each footfall was deliberate and cautious, ensuring that their presence remained unnoticed. Upon reaching the front door, the mysterious person exited the house and headed purposefully toward the Summer House.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Once inside the summerhouse, they pulled out a flashlight from their pocket, its beam cutting through the shadows as they began a quick search of the area where the kids stayed. The light danced around the room, revealing scattered belongings until it landed on a piece of yellowed paper resting on a table. The paper had been left there by Jason. The figure carefully picked it up, eyes scanning the words to absorb its contents.
After taking a moment to read the paper, they reached into their back pocket and pulled out a cellphone. They dialed a number and engaged in a brief conversation. The voice on the other end seemed to hold importance, and the figure listened intently, nodding subtly as they processed the information being shared.
Once the call concluded, the figure slipped the phone back into their pocket and quietly left the summerhouse. The night air greeted them, and they blended into the shadows once again, leaving behind no trace of their visit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"We are in trouble this time," Jason whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "We should have contacted the police before we came here."
Jason’s worry was plain to see, his eyes darting nervously. Julie and Luke shared a quick glance, their expressions echoing his concern. Julie bit her lip as her gaze flicked around, her brow furrowed in thought. Luke folded his arms, his jaw tightening, but there was a hint of determination in his stance. They all felt the weight of their choice to come without the police, but no one spoke it aloud. Even so, the tension in the air was undeniable—they had made a mistake.
Julie nodded. “We made a mistake in thinking they would come at the same time as last night. Looks like they come earlier on the nights they move the stuff to whoever is waiting outside.”
She looked at Luke. “Do you think you can get these ropes loose?”
Luke shook his head. “No, they have used some fancy knots.”
Harry Barker’s voice sliced through the tense silence, sharp and gravelly, commanding instant attention. “Jem, untie the kids’ feet, so they can walk” he ordered, his tone brooking no argument. Then, with a pointed glare, he added, “But use those same ropes to tie them together afterward. We’re not risking one of them bolting while our backs are turned.” The words lingered in the air, heavy with urgency and an unmistakable edge of menace.
Julie, Jason, and Luke were first up the tunnel. They moved in a straight line, one behind the other, imitating the way slaves had once been forced to travel in the past, all connected to one another by the ropes. In their footsteps followed Jem and Harry, their torches on, carrying the load of valuable items.
After walking for about ten minutes, the group finally arrived at a wooden door that marked the end of the tunnel. Harry leaned against the door and pushed with all his strength. The door creaked open slowly, revealing the entrance that had been hidden from view on the outside by thick layers of leaves and vines. Julie's earlier words about this hidden passageway proved to be true. As the kids stepped through the now-open door, they found themselves standing at the side of the road that ran around the outer edge of the Estate.
The street had no lighting. In the dark the kids could just make out a van with its sliding door open. The interior light came on as the driver exited the vehicle. It was the man the kids had seen talking to Harry the previous day.
“What’s with the kids Harry?”
“They discovered the secret room. This will have to be our last load. Jem and I can’t go back to the gardening now. We’ll leave the kids somewhere out of the way, on our trip, far enough away to give us plenty of time before they raise the alarm.”
The driver shrugged, “Ok.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Harry and Jem worked quickly, loading the van with practiced efficiency, organizing each item with care. Julie was keeping a wary eye on her surroundings. Then, a flicker of movement caught her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a shadowy figure making its way down the road toward them.
Engrossed in their task, Harry and Jem remained oblivious to the approaching stranger. But as the figure stepped into the glow of their flashlights, Harry froze, his eyes narrowing in surprise.
“Peter?” he said, his voice sharp with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”
“I have come to arrest you Harry,” the gardening assistant said. He held up a small leather pouch that had a steel badge on it, glinting in the torch light. “I’m a Policeman.”
The three thieves gaped at Peter, their shock written across their faces. For a moment, no one moved, as if frozen by disbelief. Luke, Julie, and Jason stared too, their eyes wide with a mix of surprise and relief. The realization hit them all at once—their captivity was over.
Harry recovered quickly. With a savage grin he said, “It will take more than you, Peter, to arrest the three of us.”
The Policeman raised his torch and pointed it at one end of the road. He flashed the torch on and off twice. Then he turned and did the same toward the opposite end of the street. Simultaneously the headlights of two cars at either end of the road came on. Then the blue lights, Police cars have on their roof, began flashing. Both cars moved rapidly towards the van. The doors opened, and quickly, a group of Policemen surrounded the van.
In double quick time the three crooks found themselves handcuffed and squeezed together in the rear seat of one of the Police cars. Peter walked over to the three friends.
“I’ll get these ropes off you.”
Once they were free, Peter—whose real name was actually Dan Antone—looked at them and said, "You guys really came through for me. I’ve been undercover as a gardener, because we suspected Harry and Jem. Progress has been slow, though. I couldn’t figure out how the items were being stolen. I followed Harry a few times at night, but I had to keep my distance to avoid being spotted. Each time, he just seemed to vanish into thin air."
He continued. “I noticed you kids going into the house in the middle of the night, and figured you were on to something. I watched you go through the panel the last time. When Harry came out through the panel soon after, I guessed you guys were in trouble. I found that piece of paper on the table in the summer house, and figured the tunnel must lead to the road outside the Estate. Then all we had to do is wait and watch.”
“We were blaming ourselves for not contacting the Police before we went in the last time, Julie smiled, but you were here the whole time.”
“Yes, Dan said, Mrs. Windemere knew I was a Policeman, but we had asked her not to tell anybody, which included you guys as well.”
The police successfully recovered all the valuable items stolen from the Mansion, paintings, antiques, and artefacts. While returning the items the officers took a moment to inform Mrs. Windemere of the kids crucial role in unravelling the mystery behind the theft. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she expressed her heartfelt thanks to the three friends for their efforts in restoring her treasured belongings.
Julie decided to extend her stay with her aunt for a few more days. Jason and Luke caught the train back home, eager to return to their school holidays. They hoped the remaining days would bring peace and normalcy, a welcome reprieve after the days of turmoil.
THE END
More books at amazon.com/author/rossthompson most .99c
The Mystery at Windemere Mansion(Ross Thompson)
CHAPTER ONE
Jason Betelli’s phone began to ring in his back pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. “Hey, it’s Julie.”
It was the first day of the holidays, and Luke Mills had come over to hang out in Jason’s room. The boys looked at each other, curious about what Julie might have to say. They knew Julie Kostas—the third member of their kid detectives team—was spending the first week of the holidays at Windemere Mansion, her aunt’s sprawling, old estate.
Jason lifted the phone to his ear. "Hey, Julie! How's it going? How's your first day with your aunt so far?" As Luke watched, Jason's expression grew serious. "Oh, really?" he said, nodding slowly. "Okay, sounds like we've got a mystery on our hands right at the start of the holidays." He paused, listening closely, then finished, "Alright, we’ll get permission and let you know when we’re on our way."
Jason slipped his phone back into his pocket and looked at Luke. "Julie wants us to come to her aunt's place, she’s arranged for us to stay in the Summer House on the estate. Her aunt has noticed some valuable antiques and paintings are missing. The Mansion is packed with artefacts, antiques, and paintings, so it's hard for her to keep track of everything. Julie volunteered us to help solve the mystery, and her aunt agreed. I guess she will be calling the Police as well.”
Luke and Jason arrived the next day after a three hour train ride and half mile walk from the Station. The Mansion, though very old, was impeccably maintained. Its stone walls, clad in a veil of ivy, stood strong and proud. Tall, narrow windows lent an aura of stately elegance. Steep gables and chimneys rose sharply from a roof of slate tiles. A sweeping gravel driveway curved up to the Mansion’s grand double doors, painted in a deep green.
The grounds around the Mansion are lush and carefully maintained, with a blend of manicured gardens and wildflower meadows. Flowerbeds burst with color from seasonal blooms, and ancient oaks stand as silent guardians along winding paths. Just a short stroll from the main house, nestled amidst a grove of shady elms and lilacs, was the Summer House.
It is small but also well maintained, with freshly painted white walls and green shutters that match the Mansion’s doors. Ivy trails gently up the corners, giving it a quaint charm. Inside, the Summer House is furnished for guests with comfort and style. wicker chairs with plump colorful cushions, two sofa’s, and a round wooden table in the front room. At the back, one bedroom, a kitchen, and small bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with warm sunlight, and the scent of fresh lavender and rosemary, fills the air.
Julie first took the boys into the house to meet her Aunt. The Mansion’s interior had an atmosphere of bygone grandeur that was both charming and eerie, with a heavy stillness that filled every room. The main entryway opened into a grand foyer with an opulent yet cluttered arrangement of antique furniture, such as carved mahogany sideboards and velvet-lined armchairs. An elaborate chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its crystals catching glimmers of light in the otherwise dim room. Ornate Persian rugs cover the hardwood floors, their colors dulled by time.
The walls of every room and hallway are densely lined with a mix of paintings, from delicate portraits in gilded frames to dramatic landscapes. Many are older than the Mansion itself, adding a historical depth to the place. Glass cabinets hold rows of artefacts—ancient relics, carved jade figurines, and delicate bone china teacups balanced on dusty shelves. Other cabinets contained mysterious artefacts that hint at even more curious origins. Large mirrors with tarnished silver backings and ornate twisted frames reflected the dim light, casting strange, shifting shadows that filled the boys with an eerie unease.
Upstairs, the rooms are equally packed with antique wardrobes, brass-framed beds, and armory's with doors that creak as they open. At the end of a narrow, winding staircase is the attic, which feels like a treasure trove of the Mansion’s forgotten history. Here, vintage trunks and crates lie stacked in chaotic piles, each brimming with items like faded documents, sepia-toned photographs, and elaborate costumes from another era. It’s a quiet, mysterious place, where the echoes of the past seem just within reach.
CHAPTER TWO
Julie’s aunt, Mrs. Windemere, was a kindly old lady with a twinkle in her eye. An elegant yet eccentric woman in her mid-60s with a regal presence that commanded respect. Her silver-streaked hair is always impeccably styled, and she favors classic attire—tailored suits during the day and flowing evening gowns adorned with delicate jewelry at night. She lives alone in her grand Mansion, surrounded by well-kept gardens and patrolled by her loyal staff of a butler, a cook, a housekeeper, and gardener, all of whom she treats like family.
Though she is generally reserved, Mrs. Windemere had a lively wit and a keen sense of curiosity. She’s a collector of rare books and antique maps, hinting at her adventurous past when she travelled extensively across Europe and Asia. She has a soft spot for Julie. When asked, she can tell interesting stories of her travels. She is somewhat strict about manners and expects others to uphold her high standards. Underneath her polished exterior, however, there’s a glimmer of intrigue—perhaps an old, mysterious connection or a secret she’s guarded for years, which the kids might stumble upon.
The old lady shook the boys hands. “Very nice to meet you Luke and Jason, any friend of Julie is a friend of mine. My house is like a second home to Julie, and I want you boys to feel the same way about it. You have free access to the house at all times while you are here. The place is very old and will probably seem like a museum to young boys like yourselves,” she said laughing. “I will leave Julie to tell you about the missing items. The Police are investigating the disappearances”
Julie took the one bedroom at the summer house. The boys would sleep in their sleeping bags, on the sofa’s in the front room. Once they were settled, they gathered in the front room to discuss how to approach the investigation into the missing items. Julie had some ideas. "First, let’s make a list of everyone who has access to the Mansion around the clock. Then, we can examine what items were taken and see if there’s a common link between them. Finally, we should take a closer look at where each item was stolen from—we’ll be looking for clues there."
“Sounds good, Luke agreed, I’m surprised your Aunt does not have any alarms in the house, the value of all the stuff must be in the millions of dollars.”
“That is because she hardly ever leaves the house, Julie replied, and the staff are always in the house.”
“With all those valuable items you would think she would at least employ a full time security guard,” Jason added.
“She trusts the staff for that, Julie said, most of them have been with her for years. They are tremendously loyal to her.”
Luke raised his eyebrows. “She might be mistaken in that. It has to be someone she trusts, who has access to the house, who has decided to help themselves to your aunts collection.”
“She will be disappointed if that is the case, Julie said, hopefully we can uncover what is happening.” Julie placed a page of notepaper on the table. “I have written a list of the staff, and people who regularly visit the Mansion.”
The household staff includes:
James, the butler, a dignified man around 60 years of age.
Mrs. Braithwaite, the housekeeper, assisted by two younger maids, Mary and Louise.
Mrs. Jensen, the cook, a middle-aged woman, with her assistant, Anna.
Harry Barker, the gardener, who works with two full-time assistants, Jem and Peter.
Additionally, a cleaning company sends three cleaners twice a week to help with the dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning of the collection and cabinets. It’s always the same three cleaners who come to the house.
Regular deliveries of food and supplies are made by various drivers, although those delivery drivers have minimal access to the interior. Likewise, it’s rare for Jem and Peter, the gardener’s assistants, to have any need to enter the house.
CHAPTER THREE
The kids decided to wait until evening to visit the spot where the valuables had disappeared. Julie guided the boys to the Eastern wing of the Mansion. The Eastern wing felt like a step back in time, with its dark wood-paneled walls and heavy crimson velvet curtains framing tall, narrow windows that filter in thin streams of light. Antique cabinets lined the walls, each filled with delicate porcelain, gilded sculptures, and curious artefacts from distant lands. A massive, ornately carved fireplace dominates one wall, with a marble mantel adorned by candlesticks and brass figurines. Above it, a grand oil painting of a regal ancestor keeps a silent watch, its eyes seeming to follow anyone who enters.
Scattered about the rooms were polished tables holding intricate brass clocks and elegant crystal vases, while velvet-upholstered armchairs create cozy, imposing, seating nooks. Along the walls hang a series of faded paintings—landscapes, portraits, and mysterious scenes—adding an air of mystery. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and faint traces of leather from old books in the corner bookshelf. Julie led the boys into a narrow corridor lined with paintings, antiques, and artefacts, on shelves and alcoves set into the wall.
"This is it," Julie said, pointing to the wall where two darker squares stood out, marking where paintings had once hung. A few feet further along, she gestured toward three empty alcoves. "There were two artefacts here—and an antique vase."
"Do you know what the paintings showed—and what the other three items were?" Luke asked.
“Yes, Julie replied, one was an old farm scene, the other a battle scene. Both very old paintings. The antique vase was deep cobalt-blue porcelain with intricate silver inlay. It’s a tall, slender piece with a gracefully flared rim, decorated with delicate floral patterns and a band of swirling vines.”
“The artefacts were a small bronze statuette of a mythical creature, about four inches tall. Its form is that of a lion with the wings of an eagle, posed in a crouched position as if ready to pounce, and a delicate ceramic box, hand-painted with scenes of rolling hills and an ancient city. The box was only about two inches square, and the lid lifted to reveal a velvet-lined interior.”
“Doesn’t seem to be any common denominator among those things, Jason suggested, it looks as if the thief took random items.”
“Yes, that’s what I thought, ”Julie agreed.
CHAPTER FOUR
“I think,” Luke said as they were eating their evening meal from the food Julies Aunt had generously placed in the summer house, “the best thing we can do now is stakeout the East wing for a couple of nights, and see what happens. Go in at midnight and watch three hours.” He glanced at the others. “We have an advantage over the Police, because we are here all the time. and can give twenty four hours a day to the investigation.”
“Good idea Luke, Jason nodded, we don’t have anything else to work with at present. What do you think Julie?”
“Yes, let’s do it, we can start tonight.”
Near midnight, the three friends slipped into the house and headed toward the East Wing. This part of the mansion was rarely used, leaving most of it shrouded in shadows. Only a few dim table lamps and the occasional floor lamp cast faint pools of light, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
When they came to the narrow corridor, they realized their mistake in not bringing torches. One floor lamp at each end was the total of the lighting, which left the corridor very dark. Shadows pooled in the centre, shifting slightly as they moved, making it hard to tell where the floor ended and the walls began. Every step they took echoed softly, heightening the eerie stillness.
“Should have brought torches, ”Jason whispered. Oh well, to late now.”
They decided to position themselves at the far end of the corridor, just inside a doorway where they could peek around the edge with little chance of being spotted. The shadows cloaked them, and from this vantage point, they could watch the corridor without drawing attention to themselves. Holding their breath, they leaned forward just enough to glimpse down the hall, feeling both hidden and vulnerable in the dark silence.
The first hour and a half dragged on endlessly. Constantly peeking around the door left their necks stiff and sore, each movement more strained than the last. Time felt like it had slowed, each minute stretching into the next, as if the darkness itself was deliberately slowing time down.
Then suddenly! “Thunder-birds are go” Jason whispered hoarsely. “I hear footsteps.”
The others listened intently, straining to hear. Yes, faint footsteps reached their ears, A person moving about in the corridor. To many shadows made it impossible to make out the person’s face or any defining features. They were nothing more than a shadow, a dark silhouette against the gloom. The kids held their breath as they watched. Slowly, the figure reached up and carefully removing a painting. And placed it against the wall, on the floor. Then, without a sound, the figure moved to the opposite wall, where they reached into one of the alcoves and retrieved something hidden in the shadows.
“We need light!” Julie whispered hoarsely. She backed into the room and began a frantic search for something that would give them more light. Luke crouched and sneaked across the corridor into another room looking around for the same thing. Finally Julie noticed a lamp without a cord. It must have been battery powered because it lit up when she pressed the on button. Grabbing it she moved quickly and quietly out into the corridor. Luke had not had any luck, but Julies lamp was sufficient to improve their visibility.
The three of them walked boldly down the corridor, Julie holding the lamp high. The corridor was deserted, empty.
“Where did they go?” Jason said wide eyed. “I don’t think they could have heard us.”
The painting was gone and another alcove was empty. “They must be making their way back, to leave the house, Luke whispered, let’s go!”
Using Julie’s lamp, the kids moved through the house much faster than they had on the way in. But it was all for nothing—they saw and heard no trace of anyone carrying a painting or an artefact. The front door was shut tight, with no signs of anyone leaving recently
"That's strange," Jason murmured. "We’d have caught up to anyone carrying a painting and an artefact through the house in the dark. It’s like they vanished into thin air!"
Julie placed the lamp on a table in the foyer, and the kids slipped out of the mansion, carefully pulling the front door shut behind them. A faint moonlight guided their steps along the path to the summer house, casting eerie shadows across the lawn. As they entered the summer house, Luke reached for the light switch, but Jason seized his arm.
“Don’t turn it on, Luke—someone’s coming. Get down!”
They dropped to the floor, crouching low. Through the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, they could make out a shadowy figure gliding past the summer house. The figure moved in near silence, and in the darkness, their features were impossible to distinguish. The kids held their breath, watching as the mysterious shape disappeared into the night.
"Quick, let’s go after them!" Jason whispered urgently. Without waiting for a reply, he took off across the lawn, his footsteps light and swift. Luke and Julie exchanged a quick glance before darting after him, struggling to keep pace as the dark entity slipped through the dark ahead of them.
When Luke and Julie caught up to Jason, he stood with his hands on his hips, frowning at the empty path ahead.
"Something strange is going on," he said. "I saw them just up ahead, a dark shapes, but by the time I got here, they’d vanished. Very creepy!"
Julie pulled out her phone. “It’s 3 AM, we may as well get some sleep, and talk about in the morning.”
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, the kids tumbled out of bed, rubbing their eyes and yawning like they’d just come back from another planet. Staying up all night had definitely thrown them for a loop, and they were moving at the pace of sleepy turtles. Breakfast was at 11am—a far cry from their usual morning routine. Clearly, they’d need some time to get used to this late-night adventure lifestyle, They munched on cereal and toast and honey, and blinked at each other through bleary eyes This ‘night work’ was going to be an interesting challenge!
It took Jason a good ten minutes to get his brain to catch up with the rest of him. He sat there, staring into space. Then, like a light bulb slowly flickering on, he snapped out of it. “There’s got to be some kind of connection between what happened last night! I mean, think about it: One person, and then another, out at the same time in the middle of the night, and both ‘poof’—gone without a single clue. No way that’s just a coincidence. It was way too weird to be anything but connected!”
Julie walked to the Mansion to chat with her Aunt. Luke and Jason went for a wander across the sprawling Estate. The fresh air and sunshine felt good. The gardens stretched out with towering old trees and winding paths. While they strolled their eyes darted around, always alert for something unusual. They came upon Jem and Peter working in a flower bed and got into conversation with them. During the chat, Luke asked how long the two men had been working at the Estate. Jem responded without hesitation, saying, "It's been a year for Harry and me.” Peter spoke up saying, “I have only been here a month.” Jem then explained that he had joined the Mansion staff alongside Harry, who had started working there about the same time.
Later that afternoon, the three friends gathered at the summer house. Julie spoke up. “I didn’t mention last night to my Aunt. I’ll tell her when we understand what is happening.”
Jason nodded thoughtfully. “I think we’ve stumbled on something. Two of those gardeners, they’ve only been working at the Estate for about a year, and Peter has only been here a month” He leaned forward, “They might not have the same loyalty as the others who’ve been here forever, you know? The long-time staff truly care about the place and its history. But the newer ones… they might be more easily tempted.”
The three friends exchanged glances, realizing that this insight could shift everything. It was a small lead, but it felt significant.
"Right now, this is all we've got," Luke said, his voice determined. "If they’re up to something, we’ll only know by watching them closely. But we have to be smart—if they even suspect we're onto them, they'll shut down fast. We have to stay completely under the radar and pick up whatever we can without them catching on."
CHAPTER SIX
The next morning, the plan to watch the gardeners paid off big time. The kids noticed Harry Barker deep in conversation with a stranger near the estate entrance. They leaned close, their voices low, heads tilted together in a way that made it clear this wasn’t ordinary chit-chat. Every few seconds, Harry’s eyes darted around, scanning the area, as if he were expecting someone to overhear. His nervous glances and tense posture told the whole story—whatever they were talking about was something they wanted kept quiet.
Julie sprang to her feet and grabbed her bag. “I’m off to Aunt Windemere’s!” she called to the boys with a spark in her eyes. Ideas had been whirling around her head all morning. This felt big—she had a feeling today’s conversation would be the start of some real progress in their investigation.
Jason had his own ideas. He strode out of the summer house, his pace quick and determined. Just before vanishing around the corner, he glanced back at Luke, who was still stretched out lazily in the sun. "Back soon," he called,” Luke gave a casual nod, oblivious to the fact that Jason was setting wheels in motion that could change their investigation.
About an hour later, Jason and Julie both had news. They were buzzing with excitement. They’d been piecing things together on their own, and now they could hardly wait to share.
Jason leaned in. "I climbed over the fence," he said, "just to get a better look at that guy’s car—the one Harry was been talking too. The car wasn’t close. It was parked a hundred yards down the road, tucked just out of the sight of anybody on the Estate. I could not see much at first, then I noticed it. On the back window, Jason continued, there were words, small letters, like a business decal. It read, *J. Smith – Paintings and Antiques bought and sold.*
He paused, letting the significance sink in. This wasn’t just some random friend in Harry's life. This guy had ties to something bigger. Pieces of the puzzle were beginning to come together. Luke and Jason looked expectantly at Julie, impatient to hear what she would say next.
I asked my Aunt “Do you know if there are any secret rooms or hidden passages in the mansion?”
“Well,” she said slowly, “I can’t say I know of any for sure, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there were a few tucked away somewhere. You see, a lot of old houses like this one—especially grand, mysterious ones—were built with hidden places. People back then had plenty of reasons to hide. Some hid to escape religious persecution or political trouble, while others were fleeing from wars that changed everything. So who knows? This mansion might just be holding its own secrets, waiting for you young people to uncover them.”
Julie continued, “she gave me an intriguing piece of information. There is an old book in Mansion’s library. This particular book is said to contain the complete history of the house. My Aunt believed that if we took a look at this book, we might discover something.”
That was their next move, to visit the library and see what hidden secrets the book might hold. Finding the book turned out to be surprisingly easy. It was a massive tome, with thick, weathered pages, printed all the way back in 1758, *The Chronicles of the Manor of Windemere*, was stamped in bold, golden letters across the spine. To the kids it promised long-lost stories and secrets hidden for centuries. it had history, mystery, and the kind of presence that made them itch to dive into whatever was inside.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The biggest hurdle was deciding where to even start. When it came to ancient books, finding specific information was nothing like it is today. These old texts didn’t have the modern conveniences we take for granted, like tables of contents or indexes. There was no quick flip to a page labelled "secret rooms" that would hand you all the clues you needed. Instead, you had to dive into the text, leafing through page after page, hunting for any mention of hidden spaces or secret passages. It was like embarking on a treasure hunt, except you had no map, and no idea where the treasure was buried. The task demanded patience and a keen eye, turning each page into a maze of potential leads, and making the whole process feel like a mountain too steep to climb. Every page was packed with information, but narrowing it down to the single detail you were after? That was the real challenge.
Julie, Jason, and Luke sat at the table, taking turns to flip through the pages of the book. When one of them started to feel tired, perhaps losing focus or struggling to keep their eyes on the small print, another would step in to take over the reading. This rhythm allowed them to share the effort and keep the flow going, making it easier to absorb the information together. As they switched roles, the familiar saying from Charlie Chan popped back into their minds, a quote they had often found to ring true in many situations: "Detective need much patience." This saying seemed particularly fitting as they continued their reading, highlighting the need for patience and persistence.
It was beginning to look like they would be at it until sunset, and may even need to return tomorrow. Jason lifted the back cover of the book to gauge how many pages were left to read. With a sigh he let it drop back onto the table. As he did a yellowish paper fluttered from between the end pages, and fell on to the floor. Jason bent down, picked it up, and examined it. It was covered with writing. And this is what he read:
“I, Eric Welton, have found and discovered a most strange thing. But I have not told any person. I will write it here for him to read, who doth find this book. I have found the Secret Room. It is on the narrow passage, in the East wing of the Manor. The manner of the hiding of the spring is this. The oak panel is carved and ornamented with roses. The twenty-seventh rose from the end of the passage contains a hidden spring. If the rose be pushed upwards it will slide up, and also four inches of the panel. Below this lies a picture, engraven upon steel, of a horse’s head. If his eye be pressed the spring will be released, and a panel of the wall will slide away. The room is beyond, and a staircase, and a tunnel out of the land.”
Julie and Luke, who had been casually browsing the bookshelves, turned at the sound of Jason's sing-song voice. "Got it!" he called, grinning as he waved the yellowed piece of paper triumphantly in the air. Julie and Luke dashed over, hearts racing with excitement, eager to discover what had brought their hard work to an unexpected end.
Luke leaned forward, his fingers brushing Jason's hand as he took the paper with a quick but careful motion. His eyes sparked with curiosity as he unfolded it, and without wasting a beat, he began reading aloud. His voice rang out, steady and clear, with just the right amount of emphasis on the key phrases that made the words come alive. His tone shifted to match the gravity of the message,
“Whoopee! Let’s put it to the test.” He cried.
Julie felt her heartbeat quicken, a rush of excitement bubbling up inside her that she could hardly contain. “What say we search for the mechanism?” she proposed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “We could find out if it really works as this paper says. And then, after we figure it out, we can sneak back here before midnight. We can find a hiding spot to watch and see who actually shows up.”
Luke and Jason exchanged quick nods, their eyes sparking with excitement. The three of them, brimming with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, set off toward the East wing. The hallways were eerily quiet, with the faint sound of their footsteps bouncing off the walls. As they neared their destination, they exchanged glances, their faces alight with unspoken understanding—this was it. Something big was about to unfold.
On the way, Julie said, “If the secret door really exists, it would explain why valuables are disappearing from that area. It’s so close to both the door and the hidden room. Whoever is taking the items could easily slip out, grab a few things, and then vanish back through the door, greatly reducing the risk of being caught.”
“Yeah Jason agreed, that would be our answer to the disappearance of the figure in the corridor. They slipped back through the door with the painting and artefact, while we were looking for something to give more light.”
As they reached the narrow corridor’s far end, the kids stopped. Along the wall, a strip of polished wood was adorned with a line of finely carved roses, each one delicate and perfect. Their excitement growing with each number, they began counting aloud, their voices echoing off the close walls.
“One… two… three… four… five…”
They continued, their voices gaining urgency.
“Twenty-five… twenty-six… twenty-seven!”
At the twenty-seventh rose, they paused, recalling the instructions from the note they’d found. Julie, her heart pounding, pressed the rose gently upward. To their amazement, it slid without a hitch, revealing a small metal plate beneath, gleaming faintly in the dim light—a horse’s head, intricately engraved and looking fierce and majestic.
Julie’s fingers shook with excitement as she pressed the horse’s large, round eye. Instantly, a section of the oak panel shifted with a soft, hidden creak, uncovering a narrow opening wide enough to allow one person through at a time.
“Cool!” Jason murmured.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The trio leaned forward, eyes wide as they stared down three ancient steps leading into a room below. A surge of excitement buzzed between them. Hearts pounding, they started down, one cautious step at a time, their sneakers scraping against the gritty stone. As soon as the last of them reached the bottom, the panel behind them slid shut with a soft *thud.*
Jason whipped around, his voice edged with worry. “I hope we can figure out how to open that again?” His face scrunched in a mix of alarm and doubt.
At the bottom, they stood in a long, narrow room. To their right was a smaller, empty room beyond an arched entrance. A door was open at the far end of the main room. Fifteen steps took them down to a dark, narrow passage winding off into the distance. The ceiling was low—barely six feet high—adding to the eerie feeling of secrecy.. Neither the rooms nor the passage had any lighting, and a musty, old scent lingered in the air.
“We are underground now,” Luke said.
Squinting into the darkness ahead, they could just make out the faint, twisting outline of a spiral staircase some thirty feet down the passage, its steps vanishing upward into the shadows.
"Let's at least see where that staircase leads," Jason urged, his voice brimming with curiosity. Without hesitation, they moved forward, carefully navigating the narrow, spiralling stairs. Each step creaked ominously beneath them as they climbed, the air growing colder with every turn, adding an eerie chill to the darkened ascent.
At the top, Luke pushed against a wooden door, which groaned in protest then lifted a few inches. In an instant they could see the stars through the gap. The door's exterior was smothered in a thick tangle of ivy, its green tendrils creeping over the wood as though trying to reclaim it.
"Looks like this is the garden at the side of the Mansion," Luke said, brushing aside a stray vine. "I bet this is where that figure disappeared too. They must have come through here and then down into the passage."
His eyes narrowed as he gazed out, as if expecting to spot their elusive shadow lurking just beyond the door. The air was filled with the scent of earth and plants.
"Looks like the tunnel goes beyond the Estate’s grounds, maybe all the way to the road," Julie said, her eyes narrowing as she thought it through. "Think about it—it’d be perfect for moving the paintings and antiques out without a trace. They could load everything into a vehicle at the other end, far from the house, so no one would see a thing happening here. It’s a pretty slick way to keep everything hidden, no chance of anyone spotting the stolen items on their way out."
"Alright, let’s move," Julie said, her voice sharp with determination. "We need to be back just before midnight. We can take shelter in that smaller room. No lights in here, so they’ll have to rely on their torches. That means we won’t be seen."
With a swift motion, Julie pressed down on a silver lever at the top of the three steps. A soft click rang out, breaking the silence, and the hidden panel slid open again smoothly.
“Cool!” murmured Jason
When the trio were in the corridor, Julie slid the rose down again. The panel responded, closing shut with flawless precision, as if it had never been disturbed. The hidden passage sealed itself with a finality that left no trace of its presence—just a perfect, silent secret locked behind them.
CHAPTER NINE
The kids gathered around the dinner table for their evening meal, eager to fuel their bodies for the task that awaited them later. A hearty meal was essential to prepare them for their upcoming spy work. Finishing their meal, they knew they were ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead in the secret room.
At midnight, Julie reopened the hidden panel, her heart pounding in the stillness. This time, they came prepared, their torches cutting through the darkness, sharp beams of light. One by one, the friends slipped into the cramped side room, their movements quiet and deliberate. Once inside, they switched off their torches and settled into position, their breaths barely audible as they braced themselves for what could be a long wait.
By one o'clock, Jason had fallen asleep, his head resting heavily on Luke's shoulder. Luke didn’t mind the weight but stayed on alert, ready to nudge Jason awake at the first hint of a snore. By 2 a.m. all three were struggling to keep their eyes open. But the sudden groan of the door at the top of the spiral stairs jolted them awake, the adrenaline surge, putting them instantly on high alert.
They held their breath, straining to hear as the visitor descended the stairs with deliberate, unhurried steps. A powerful torch beam swept through the passage, then the room, its movements casual. The intruder's confidence was clear—this wasn’t the first venture into the secret room, and past successes had bred a sense of confidence.
The visitor moved purposefully toward the sliding panel. The bright beam of the torch caught the edge of the panel, casting a sharp reflection. Peeping around the small room's entrance, the kids caught a fleeting glimpse of the visitor's face—just enough to recognize him. It was Harry Barker, the gardener.
“Gotcha!” Jason whispered triumphantly.
The panel slid open, and Harry Barker stepped through, the soft click of the mechanism sealing behind him. Fifteen minutes passed in tense silence before the panel slid open once more. This time, Barker emerged, carrying two paintings. He set them carefully against the wall, then pressed the silver lever and vanished again. When he returned, his arms were loaded with four items, though the darkness concealed their details from the watching kids.
“He’s gone for the big haul this time,” Jason whispered.
Julie looked at Jason frowning, her finger lifted to her lips.
Once the panel slid shut, Barker made two trips to carry the six items down to the base of the spiral staircase. After setting them down, he ascended the stairs empty-handed, the door groaning again as it opened. Then he disappeared into the night.
The kids emerged from their hiding spot, relieved to stretch their legs and ease the stiffness in their muscles.
"Everything happens at night," Julie remarked. "He’s got the stuff ready for pickup—hopefully, tomorrow night."
CHAPTER TEN
The next night, as the clock approached midnight, the kids gathered their courage and excitement, making their way back to the hidden panel. Their hearts raced with the thrill of the adventure that lay ahead, completely unaware of the sinister presence that loomed in the shadows. A dark figure lingered in the background, carefully observing them as they slipped out of the old summer house and into the cool night air. This figure moved silently, following closely behind them, blending into the darkness like a shadow.
As they reached the secret panel, Julie took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. The panel clicked open with a satisfying sound. The kids felt a rush of exhilaration as they stepped through the opening and into the hidden room beyond. Unbeknownst to them, the dark figure stayed hidden, watching intently, taking in every moment of their secretive journey.
After the panel had securely closed, the dark figure remained in place, maintaining its silent watch. It stood there, unmoving, keeping a close eye on everything. It waited patiently seeming to blend into the shadows, almost becoming a part of the dark corridor. The vigil continued, as the figure stayed alert, focused on what was unfolding. It had a job to do, and it wasn’t going anywhere until the moment was right.
Julie, Jason, and Luke carefully stepped down the three stairs, their hearts racing as they made their way back to the hiding spot they had chosen earlier. The room was dark, but they knew exactly where they were headed. As they moved across the floor, trying to be as quiet as possible, suddenly a bright beam of light cut through the darkness. The strong glow from a powerful torch hit them squarely, freezing them in their tracks. They stood there, caught in the blinding light, unsure of what to do next as they realized the unexpected had happened.
"So, you know about our little secret, do you?" Harry Gardener's voice rang out, sharp and unyielding. The kids felt a chill run down their spines as they caught sight of him. The beam from the powerful flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the tense scene. In that bright light, they could see the hard lines on Harry's face and the way his eyes narrowed as he looked at them with malice. Beside him stood Jem, equally serious, his expression matching the weight of the moment. The kids exchanged nervous glances, realizing that they had been caught in their presumption that nothing would happen until later.. The air around them felt thick with tension, and the night hung heavily in the silence between them.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Harry spoke once more, his voice steady and firm. "Get the ropes, Jem. We need to tie these kids up until we can figure out what to do next."
The situation felt tense as the kids looked around, realizing they were completely outmatched. The two strong men towered over them, and there was nowhere to run. They knew there was little they could do against the strength of Harry and Jem. They allowed themselves to be escorted into the smaller room that felt even more confined and restrictive. Once inside, they were quickly bound hand and foot, leaving them unable to free themselves. The kids had no choice but to accept their fate for the moment, waiting for the two men to decide how they would proceed from there.
"We're going to need to gather a lot of stuff this time," Harry said, his voice low and serious. "These kids knowing what we’re up to means we can’t waste any more time. This is the last shot we have at this." He glanced around, taking in the surroundings before continuing. "We should aim to grab about nine or ten more items for this load. We need to be quick and careful. Let’s focus on what we can carry. This is it—we have to make it count."
In the dimly lit corridor, the dark figure stood waiting patiently.. The quiet was suddenly broken as the sleek panel in the wall slid open with a soft hiss. The movement drew the figure’s attention like a moth to a flame. Out from the opening stepped Harry, looking a bit uncertain but determined. Right behind him was Jem, who seemed more confident. Together, they moved into the space, completely unaware of the dark presence watching them closely from the depths of the corridor.
"Pick smaller paintings and items that will be easier to carry," Harry instructed again, his voice firm but calm. The two of them set to work immediately, searching for objects of value. For the next fifteen minutes, they rummaged around, carefully selecting a variety of smaller paintings, intricate trinkets, and other valuable items. They created a neat pile on the floor by the panel. Once they felt satisfied with their collection, Harry moved the rose up and pressed on the eye of the horse. The panel slid open once more. With a sense of urgency, they swiftly moved all the carefully chosen items into the darkness of the secret room. As they worked, the shadowy figure observed from a distance, silently watching as the panel closed behind them.
With the panel securely closed behind them, the figure quietly stepped away from the corridor, making their way back through the dimly lit house. Each footfall was deliberate and cautious, ensuring that their presence remained unnoticed. Upon reaching the front door, the mysterious person exited the house and headed purposefully toward the Summer House.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Once inside the summerhouse, they pulled out a flashlight from their pocket, its beam cutting through the shadows as they began a quick search of the area where the kids stayed. The light danced around the room, revealing scattered belongings until it landed on a piece of yellowed paper resting on a table. The paper had been left there by Jason. The figure carefully picked it up, eyes scanning the words to absorb its contents.
After taking a moment to read the paper, they reached into their back pocket and pulled out a cellphone. They dialed a number and engaged in a brief conversation. The voice on the other end seemed to hold importance, and the figure listened intently, nodding subtly as they processed the information being shared.
Once the call concluded, the figure slipped the phone back into their pocket and quietly left the summerhouse. The night air greeted them, and they blended into the shadows once again, leaving behind no trace of their visit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"We are in trouble this time," Jason whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "We should have contacted the police before we came here."
Jason’s worry was plain to see, his eyes darting nervously. Julie and Luke shared a quick glance, their expressions echoing his concern. Julie bit her lip as her gaze flicked around, her brow furrowed in thought. Luke folded his arms, his jaw tightening, but there was a hint of determination in his stance. They all felt the weight of their choice to come without the police, but no one spoke it aloud. Even so, the tension in the air was undeniable—they had made a mistake.
Julie nodded. “We made a mistake in thinking they would come at the same time as last night. Looks like they come earlier on the nights they move the stuff to whoever is waiting outside.”
She looked at Luke. “Do you think you can get these ropes loose?”
Luke shook his head. “No, they have used some fancy knots.”
Harry Barker’s voice sliced through the tense silence, sharp and gravelly, commanding instant attention. “Jem, untie the kids’ feet, so they can walk” he ordered, his tone brooking no argument. Then, with a pointed glare, he added, “But use those same ropes to tie them together afterward. We’re not risking one of them bolting while our backs are turned.” The words lingered in the air, heavy with urgency and an unmistakable edge of menace.
Julie, Jason, and Luke were first up the tunnel. They moved in a straight line, one behind the other, imitating the way slaves had once been forced to travel in the past, all connected to one another by the ropes. In their footsteps followed Jem and Harry, their torches on, carrying the load of valuable items.
After walking for about ten minutes, the group finally arrived at a wooden door that marked the end of the tunnel. Harry leaned against the door and pushed with all his strength. The door creaked open slowly, revealing the entrance that had been hidden from view on the outside by thick layers of leaves and vines. Julie's earlier words about this hidden passageway proved to be true. As the kids stepped through the now-open door, they found themselves standing at the side of the road that ran around the outer edge of the Estate.
The street had no lighting. In the dark the kids could just make out a van with its sliding door open. The interior light came on as the driver exited the vehicle. It was the man the kids had seen talking to Harry the previous day.
“What’s with the kids Harry?”
“They discovered the secret room. This will have to be our last load. Jem and I can’t go back to the gardening now. We’ll leave the kids somewhere out of the way, on our trip, far enough away to give us plenty of time before they raise the alarm.”
The driver shrugged, “Ok.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Harry and Jem worked quickly, loading the van with practiced efficiency, organizing each item with care. Julie was keeping a wary eye on her surroundings. Then, a flicker of movement caught her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a shadowy figure making its way down the road toward them.
Engrossed in their task, Harry and Jem remained oblivious to the approaching stranger. But as the figure stepped into the glow of their flashlights, Harry froze, his eyes narrowing in surprise.
“Peter?” he said, his voice sharp with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”
“I have come to arrest you Harry,” the gardening assistant said. He held up a small leather pouch that had a steel badge on it, glinting in the torch light. “I’m a Policeman.”
The three thieves gaped at Peter, their shock written across their faces. For a moment, no one moved, as if frozen by disbelief. Luke, Julie, and Jason stared too, their eyes wide with a mix of surprise and relief. The realization hit them all at once—their captivity was over.
Harry recovered quickly. With a savage grin he said, “It will take more than you, Peter, to arrest the three of us.”
The Policeman raised his torch and pointed it at one end of the road. He flashed the torch on and off twice. Then he turned and did the same toward the opposite end of the street. Simultaneously the headlights of two cars at either end of the road came on. Then the blue lights, Police cars have on their roof, began flashing. Both cars moved rapidly towards the van. The doors opened, and quickly, a group of Policemen surrounded the van.
In double quick time the three crooks found themselves handcuffed and squeezed together in the rear seat of one of the Police cars. Peter walked over to the three friends.
“I’ll get these ropes off you.”
Once they were free, Peter—whose real name was actually Dan Antone—looked at them and said, "You guys really came through for me. I’ve been undercover as a gardener, because we suspected Harry and Jem. Progress has been slow, though. I couldn’t figure out how the items were being stolen. I followed Harry a few times at night, but I had to keep my distance to avoid being spotted. Each time, he just seemed to vanish into thin air."
He continued. “I noticed you kids going into the house in the middle of the night, and figured you were on to something. I watched you go through the panel the last time. When Harry came out through the panel soon after, I guessed you guys were in trouble. I found that piece of paper on the table in the summer house, and figured the tunnel must lead to the road outside the Estate. Then all we had to do is wait and watch.”
“We were blaming ourselves for not contacting the Police before we went in the last time, Julie smiled, but you were here the whole time.”
“Yes, Dan said, Mrs. Windemere knew I was a Policeman, but we had asked her not to tell anybody, which included you guys as well.”
The police successfully recovered all the valuable items stolen from the Mansion, paintings, antiques, and artefacts. While returning the items the officers took a moment to inform Mrs. Windemere of the kids crucial role in unravelling the mystery behind the theft. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she expressed her heartfelt thanks to the three friends for their efforts in restoring her treasured belongings.
Julie decided to extend her stay with her aunt for a few more days. Jason and Luke caught the train back home, eager to return to their school holidays. They hoped the remaining days would bring peace and normalcy, a welcome reprieve after the days of turmoil.
THE END
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