Dr. Marshall had expected an older child, one who could have divulged some secret
code to the mysterious treasure of his old friend.  But before him was only a boy, barely
old enough to speak.  
      As he and Jacob descended the staircase, Dr. Marshall could think of nothing to
say.  This was likely the last time he would ever set foot in the magnificent mansion and
probably the last time he would ever see Jacob.  Over the years they had become
acquaintances but never really friends.  Despite the awkwardness, Dr. Marshall felt the
need to speak.
      When they reached the front door, Dr. Marshall offered the young butler his hand.
“Thank you, Jacob, for everything you’ve done for me and Mr. Hickory.”
      “It is my honor and duty, sir,” Jacob said.
      Dr. Marshall smiled, tipped his hat and took a step out the door.
      “One more thing, Dr. Marshall,” Jacob said, watching the doctor turn back towards
him, “I think Mr. Hickory planned his death.”
      Dr. Marshall smiled.  Mr. Hickory planned just about everything.  “Why do you
think that?”  he asked.  It was a question to gather information rather than to question
Jacob’s judgment.
      Jacob thought for a moment.  “Last night, before he tucked in for bed, he cornered
me and whispered in my ear.”
      “What did he say?”
      “Mr. Hickory said, ‘The best treasures are all around you.’”  Jacob stared at Dr.
Marshall.  “Does that mean anything to you?”
      Dr. Marshall smiled.  “It means there’s more to that treasure than we both thought.”
      Dr. Marshall shook Jacob’s hand one last time before retreating across the vast
porch and back into the blustering wind and the awaiting carriage.

                                                             ***
      
      Few stories came from the house after that day.  From time to time the doctor took
long routes to the homes of clients just to pass the giant gates.  He watched as both the
gates and the road suffered from subtle neglect and could only imagine the state of the
house and the gardens under the watch of a greedy tenant.  Barflies told stories of
insanity, greed and the clues hidden in the walls.  
      As the doctor drew his last breaths, he wondered if the strange estate would ever
find a worthy keeper.
      
Emily Kieson