RETURN TO CANDLESHOE

RETURN TO CANDLESHOE Many years would have passed, in the time since Harold W. Bundage brought Miss Casey Brown before the Lady St. Edmond, having Casey posing as the womans grand-daughter, Margaret St. Edmond. In the time, since the treasure, of Captain Joshua St. Edmond, has been located, and placed on deposit, Casey would have departed Candleshoe, without incident, except that Grandmother would not allow it. In fact, when Casey would ask Grandmother "What happens if your real grand-daughter shows up?" She would be surprised when Grandmother would say "Perhaps she has". Over the proceeding years, Casey Brown would dig far deeper, into the life of Margaret St. Edmond. The problem, with every lead Casey followed, was that every lead just lead, more-or-less, right back to herself. Even when Casey went to the village doctor, for information, and advice, when the doctor checked the records, from the family, all he could do was give Casey an un-sure response. When Casey asked the man "If you were a wagering man?" The doctor would say "Although I do lay a wager, now and then, in regard to this case, I would not wager more than five pounds, either way" Terrific! If even a doctor would not make a wager, what was Casey to do? Just pretend to be someone she wasn't? In time, Casey would have molded her life much more to the British way of life. At Grandmothers insistence, Casey would finish primary (grade school, in America) school, with the other children, then go on, to finish secondary (high school, in America) school, before going on, eventually, to university. At university, Casey would specialize in tracing ones past, as she searched for more clues as to who she really was. Was she, really, the lady Margaret St. Edmond, or not? To further hinder her search, there was the fact that Casey had no memories, of her own. No memories of either mother, or father. This is why she wanted to find out who she really was. She wanted to lay the matter to rest, for both herself, and for Grandmother. Even when Casey contacted American authorities, for information, what response she did receive, was little more than to say that her records MIGHT be a possible "match" for the Lady Margaret. By the way the contacts were worded, Casey realized that the U.S. government was saying nothing less than "You could be a race horse, a cow, a mule, or a royal queen, for all we know" Caseys search only came to an end when she met a fellow student, whom she, really, wanted Grandmother to meet. Casey wanted Grandmothers approval, so very ardently, since Grandmother had been treated Casey with such compassion. Even despite the circumstances under which Casey had first, arrived, at Candleshoe. The only problem, with Caseys potential suitor, was that he was an American, who was merely pursuing studies, in England. Once his studies were finished, he would be returning to America. When the tear-filled day, of Caseys departure, would arrive, Grandmother would embrace a weeping Casey, saying "Child, you say you want me to be happy, correct?" When Casey would say "Ofcourse, Grandmother" This is when Grandmother would say "Very well, then. If it is your desire that I am joyous, then proceed with your life. Nothing would bring more joy, to my heart, than to watch each of my grand-children leading happy lives. Thats all which a mother, or a grandmother, may ask for". As the couple departed the grand estate, Caseys man would promise her "You can come back, to visit, you know. Its not like we are moving to another planet". Casey would wipe her eyes, as she said "I know, but it remains difficult to leave behind the only family I have, ever, known." Although her new husband would try to keep his promise, it would seem that home, and family, got in the way, all of the time. For many years, Caseys primary contact, with Candleshoe, was via the mail service. Casey routinely, sent Grandmother pictures, of her family, as well as the usual things, such as what family members were doing, and how much Casey missed the estate. In return, Grandmother, often, sent messages, updating Casey on the goings on, in, and around the area of Candleshoe. In time, though, the messages, from Grandmother, would turn into compliments, for Casey's progress, with parenthood. With the invention of the internet, and e-mail, as well as digital photography, Casey would try to remain in contact, with Candleshoe. Tragedy was, though, by the time the internet was made available to the public, Grandmother, and Priory, would have passed away. With a family, to care for, Casey just could not find the time to even visit the estate. Still, Casey enjoyed telling her own children the stories, about her life, in England. Learning a brand new language, and following the clues, to the treasure. When her children would ask "Why did he hide the stuff out in the open, like that? Wasn't he afraid that someone might steal it?" Casey would remind her children that, in England, there are fewer locks, than in America, since the British respect private property. Besides, who would think to check a tarnished, century old, statue, for treasure? Although Casey still missed Candleshoe, her life would not be altered until she received a cryptic message, from "Queenie". When Casey read the message to her husband, which read "Urgent. Your presence is required, for a most priority matter. Please verify your compliance, at the earliest opportunity" Her husband would ask "What can that mean?" Casey would say "This is how the British say "Emergency, get over here, now!"" When her husband would ask "Then, why not use those words?" Casey would roll her eyes then say "That IS how the British communicate". When Casey would wonder, out loud, "I wonder if it has something to do with Grandmother? Maybe one of the family. I wonder if someone is injured, and Queenie does not wish to concern me, un-duly" When her husband listened to his wife using more and more British English, he suggested "You may as well go to them." When Casey asked "Question, regarding our obigation here?" Her husband would say "If you speak anymore British, then I wont understand you, myself". When Casey would pack, for the British Empire, she would make sure that her British Operators permit was within easy reach. Casey also made sure that her REAL passport was easily acccessible. (Sure, Harold Bundage had a passport, for the original trip, but, somehow, security had not been as "tight" as it was, nowadays.) Casey smiled at the thought of how easily British Intelligence could have seen through her previous passport. By todays standards, the "quality" was, downright laughable. It would not be until Casey knew that her husbands family was aiding in the familys care, that Casey would travel to the local airport, where she would surprise the sales staff by her grasp, of their language. With ticket in hand, Casey's husband would see her board a jet, for another flight, to the royal empire. For Casey, though, this was a home-coming, not a trip. Starting at Heathrow Airport, Casey would amaze the Brits with her grasp of their own language. She would, even, astound the car rental agent, by reminding the agent that, in England, the steering wheel is on the RIGHT hand side, of the car, and that people drive on the LEFT side of the road. Yes, Casey Brown had taken her driving courses, in England, and had an official, British, operators license. Casey never knew why, but she kept her British operators license up to date, even as she kept her American drivers license, as well. What truly amazed Casey was how little the area had changed, since her departure. Sure, Casey had learned about the history, of the area, both from locals, and from school. Casey knew that most properties had been owned, by the same family's, for as long as even church records had been kept. She recognized the homes, of friends, and fellow students. What never failed to take her breath away was when she first came down the lane, leading to the parking area, in front of Candleshoe. Today, Casey would, even, stop, for a moment, on the lane, just to take in the grand estate in. The one place Casey had called "home". The grand house, the grounds. It was, all, just as she remembered. Then, Casey had a touch of melancholy as she remembered that neither Grandmother, nor Priory, were among the living, anylonger. Casey must have returned to full, Engish citizen, mode, when she stepped, to the front door, of the house, and prepared to take her luggage back to her old room. When Casey saw Queenie, for the first time, in years, Casey made her first curtsey, in years, as the two ladies renewed their acquaintance, with each lady giving the proper curtsey. Just a moment later, a rather strapping (well built) man would come, from behind Queenie, bow to Casey, and offer to take her bags. When Queenie introduced the man as her husband, Casey handed her things over, then the group retreated inside the grand house. Once inside, with Caseys bags delivered to her old room (at Caseys request. After all, Casey was family, not a guest), Queenie would bring Casey aside, in Queenies room, for a chat, while her husband resumed his normal duties, of running the house. In Queenies room, Queenie would bring Casey up to date, including on the fact of how very much Grandmother had adored the photo's, of Caseys children, as well as the occassional letters. Queenie would say "Nothing appearred to make Grandmother more joyous than the ever-expanding collection of photographs, of our children. That, and her collection, of our graduation certificates". When Casey asked "How are the others doing? Wilhelm, Peter, and the others" Queenie would give her the short summary: "Wilhelm spent so much time following Priory around, that Priory made the boy his assistant. When Priory was no-longer able to perform his duties, Wilhelm just moved into the position. Wilhelm has been maintaining the property, ever since." "As for Peter, he went into the trades, and, now, he visits when he has work, in the vicinity. He is quite adequate, in his profession, and has acquitted himself, quite well" When Casey asked "And Anna? I haven't received a single word, about her, for an extended period of time" Queenie seemed sad as she said, in a low voice "No, there will be no further updates, on Anna." When Casey asked "What happened?" Queenie would say "Like you, Anna wanted to know where she came from, and if she retained any family ties. Anna was involved in following information, which had taken her to Asia, when her aircraft suffered a fatality, over the Pacific Ocean. All present, aboard the aircraft were found, deceased, by search-and-rescue craft" When Casey asked " And, Grandmother? She didn't suffer, during her own passing, did she?" Queenie said "No. Grand-mother passed, in her sleep." When Casey asked "And Priory? That Jack-of-all-trades? What became of him?" Queenie would say "He injured himself, and passed, while in recovery. He just wasn't the same, after Grandmother passed" After an extended moment of silence, Casey asked "So, for what purpose have you extended a call for me to return to our home?" Queenie would say "That is the most perplexing part of this situation. What would be your response if I were to infer that Candeshoe actually has real, live, spirits, in residence?" When Casey would ask "Live spirits?" Queenie would say "Apologies, I meant to infer that there seem to be actual entities in residence. I have no other definition to offer." When Casey would ask "How many entities, and at what point did the activity begin?" Queenie would say "I believe there may be four, or five entities present, at the moment. As for when they began appearring, that would be approximately two months after Priory's passing. Once he, and Grandmother, had passed, the house seemed to begin eminating with spirtual energy." When Casey asked "Please explain", Queenie would say "spirits, shadows, or nearly transparent persons, have been observed, walking the halls, after closing time." When Casey asked "What do you mean "transparent"?" Queenie would say "I have no other definition, to offer" When Casey would say "Okay, what other events might have transpired?" Queenie would say "In the time, since Priory's passing, there have been several reports, of activity, on the grounds. The majority of this has been reported in the after-hours time, when my husband and I have closed up Candleshoe, for the evening" When Casey would ask "let me guess, more of Wilhelms tales, about Captain Joshua, roaming the halls, tapping the walls, in search of his buried treasure?" Queenie would break a wide smile as she said "I know. It sounded silly, then, as well. But, no, this is not about that old bed-time story." When Casey would say "Then what?" Queenie took on a totally serious appearance, as she would say "My husband and I have stood what you Americans would call a "stake-out", and we have made our own observations." When Casey would ask "Observations, of what?" Queenie would say "I am un-certain. It would seem as though someone is walking the house, carrying candles. My husband, and I, have tried using binoculars, to see the perpetrators yet all we see, with the binoculars, is the candles, floating about" When Casey would ask "What do you experience, from inside the building?" Queenie would say "Rooms become chilled, and even I have felt as if being observed, when, in fact, I am, completely, alone." When Casey would ask "If I may inquire, why do you, not just take up another residence?" Queenie would remind Casey "Candleshoe is our home. Grandmother took us in, when no one else wanted us." Casey would agree. After all, Grandmother was the very same reason why, years before, Casey Brown had been a "wreck", when she gave Grandmother her own farewell. When Casey asked "Have any belongings been tampered with, or been mis-placed?" Queenie would say "A few volumes have been re-positioned, and two lamps have been re-positioned" Casey looked at Queenie, then asked "As if someone were reading?" Queenie would say "Most odd behavior, but, yes. In fact, though, it does remind me of your first days, on the premises, especially that night, when you practically destroyed the library, searching for that clue. What was it?" Casey could, still, quote it, from memory: "For the sun-rise student, there is treasure among books" When Casey would ask Queenie "You dont think that someone is, still, after the treasure, do you?" Queenie would say "Heavens, no. Everyone, from Compton-in-the-Hole, to Buckingham Palace, is aware that Captain Joshua St. Edmond's treasure has been secured. Even the Crown agreed that the "booty" was found on St. Edmond property, and has been in our possession, for centuires" When Casey added "Not that you knew it was here" Queenie would say "Most correct". After another extended conversation, about where the spirits preferred to manifest, and at about what hours, Casey, and Queenie would just have re-loacted, to the spacious kitchen, for some sandwiches, when Wilhelm would join them, with depressing news. "With apologies, Queenie, but I am obligated to report that there is just nothing I can do, with the unit. I do not know how many times Priory fixed it, but it is just, plain, worn out" Queenie would say "There goes another five thousand pounds. Thank you for trying. I will contact the contractor" Then Wilhelm would give Casey his greetings, a proper, gentlemans bow, then be off, back to work. When Casey would ask "What is going to cost five thousand pounds?" Queenie would remind Casey "Candleshoe is very old. Even far older than Grandmother was. Although our operational systems may have been the most modern innovations, of their time, time has caught up with us, and left our systems behind." Casey would agree "What was, once, new, is now, old, and obsolete" Queenie would add "And Candeshoe has plenty of both. Thankfully, now, we can afford to do more of the repair work. It is just so sorrowful that we are required to spend so much, of Captain Joshua's fortune, just to continue operating" Casey would have suggested tearing down the place, then re-building, out of new materials, and with new systems, but the estate was so historical that Casey knew that, if such a thing was, even mentioned, the response would not be favorable. No, best to stay focused on these so-called "spirits". Casey, like Queenie, wondered what anyone could want, in this, old, place. Casey had a plan, though, atleast to deal with the trespassers. She would contact a military supply business, and order a pair, of surplus binoculars. Casey was preparing to go out, on "stake-out", herself. She wanted her own, first-hand, look at these "spirits". When her package arrived, Casey, specifically, rquested, of all members of the household, that NONE to mention anything, especially in the village, about her package. When Queenie would inquire "For what purpose are you being so secretive, about your plans, and deployment?" Casey would say " I do not want our "visitors" to learn of my intentions until we are ready to act." When Queenie would say "You are not suggesting that the villagers would be involved, in such activities, are you?" Casey would say "No. I do not believe that they are, directly, involved, but it would make sense, for those, who are involved, to have "ears" in the village" While awaiting the arrival of her package, Casey had made a point, of speaking, privately, with Wilhelm, about events at Candleshoe. Although Wilhelm agreed that something was going on, he did not, quite, agree, with Queenie, about the "who". When Casey would ask "Whats causes you to come to such conclusions?" Wilhelm would say "Following the passing, of Priory, when I had the run of the grounds, I began considering the many, secret, passages, within the walls, of Candleshoe. My curiousity lead me to discover a possibility, which I had not, previously,considered". When Casey would ask "May I inquire what that possibility might be?" Wilhelm would say "During part of my position, as General Maintenance Person, I am tasked with finding obstructions, and deterioration, of the structure, and informing Queenies husband of same. I prepare the reports, as accurately as possible, then he sends out the request for bids." When Casey would say "Okay, so you are much better acquainted with Candleshoe's construction than any other person. What matter is it which has gained your attention, in this matter?" Wilhelm would say "While in the course of my daily activities, I have come across another of those secret chambers. You remember, the kind in which Clara Grimsworthy found Captain Joshua's will" Casey would say "Yes, I recall Harold Bundage mentioning that Clara found the document while cleaning Captain Joshua's old room" Wilhelm would say "Excellent, so you know such apertures do exist. Now, what would be your opinion, if I were to inform you that I have discovered yet another, of those apertures, and, within its confines, I had located another map." When Casey would say "Please, not another treasure map", Wilhem would say "Not precisely. More of a map, of spaces, located within, and under, the property." When Casey would ask "What type of spaces?" Wilhelm would say "I have investigated only a minimum number of the passages, to date, however, I have deduced that, while some of them lead, from room to room, inside Candleshoe, others lead off, from the foundation, and to points well beyond the property line." When Casey would ask "Just how FAR, beyond the property would you deduce that these spaces extend?" Wilhelm would say "It would be easier to show you, than to attempt to explain". As a result, Wilhelm would drive Casey to the nearby church where, past the church, Wilhelm would show Casey the local cemetary and, within, the St. Edmond family crypt. There was nothing unusual, about the crypt. It was built in the style which suggested "titled land owners", which, ofcourse, the St. Edmonds were. No surprise, there. Once inside the crypt, Wilhelm would show Casey where both Grandmother, and Priory, were entombed. Priory was emtombed, here, as well, instead of in a local, servants, cemetary, by the wishes of the remaining family members (Queenie, Peter, Wilhelm, and Anna). After showing Casey the crypts, Wilhelm would show Casey a torch holder, which held an un-lit, flame-style, torch. Wilhelm would, then, instruct Casey "Do not be alarmed, at what happens, next" As Casey was asking "Define what is about to...." when Wilhelm pulled the torch holder from the wall, with the holder turning out to be a lever, turned it, in a precise fashion and, while he was doing this, Casey heard gears grinding, and stone moving. In a moment, Casey watched as the crypt door shut, and a bolt shunted into place. When Casey turned back to Wilhelm, he had a torch (flashight, in America) in hand, then handed another one to Casey. Wilhelm then said "Follow me, please", then he entered what looked like a natural tunnel, of sorts. The tunnel would lead down, into the Earth, yet at a slope, which was gentle enough not to impede progress. After walking a distance, Casey would say "Stop! I have a feeling that we are headed back to Candleshoe. Just tell me where this tunnel terminates" Wilhelm would say "Would you believe me if I were to state that it terminates in the Butler Pantry?" When Casey would ask "The Butlers Pantry? Why would a butler need a secret way into Candleshoe?" Wilhelm would say "In-correct. This is not a discreet entry point. This is just one, of several, discreet, EXIT points." When Casey would ask "Discreet exit points? What would be wrong with using the front door?" Wilhelm would lay it out, for Casey. "Casey, when Candleshoe was in its primary construction phase, some centuries ago, not only were there no local constables, but the only protection, which nobles had, was the royal military. In those times, it would take weeks for a message, to send aid, to even reach the royal court. Then more time, to mount a brigade, and send the soldiers in, to subdue any trouble. It is my impression that these spaces were built, in secret, as ESCAPE routes, for the nobility. Let the nobility escape, and secret themselves away, until the soldiers had restored order" Casey was about to ask "And you mean no one ever thought to look for these spaces?", but thought better, of the question, upon remembering how clever Captain Joshua had been. Who else would have thought that a family treasure was best "hidden" right in plain sight? After Casey and Wilhelm exited the passage, and the crypt, Casey asked Wilhelm "Are you proposing that someone HAS found these tunnels, learned their secret, and are using the spaces, to gain access to Candleshoe?" Wilhelm would suggest "Does that not sound more plausable than the idea that spirits have, just recently, decided to engage in haunting the property?" Casey had to agree. The question was: How to PROVE who was right? This is why Casey had ordered the military-style binoculars. Boy, did someone have a surprise coming to them, when Casey caught them in the gaze, of these "babies". Two nights, of after-hours watches, lead to no results, and the three watch-sitters (Queenie, Casey, and Queenie's husband) were just settling in, to their "hunters blind", on the third evening, when, just as Queenie was passing coffee around that the action began. Placing coffee aside, three pairs, of binoculars, were trained on the homes upper floors. Queenie was first to spot movement, and her husband had to silence her, from giving away their position. He would whisper, in her ear "Yes, beloved, we see them, as well" As the three began tracking the movements, even Queenie's husband would check his own binoculars, then whisper "I thought that these were supposed to be "sportsmens" binoculars. All I can see are those candles, moving about" When Casey would train her miltary-style, and laser-targetted, binoculars, on the same target which the man had been viewing, Casey found that her binoculars could find, range, and designate, the candles, easily. Her optical display even showed how distant the candles were. (Thankfully, during her time, in England, which had adopted the Metric system, LONG BEFORE America had, Casey had learned metric the "hard way", by having to use the system, in class.) This is why she only had to think, for a second, to remember how the system worked. (Thank you, Grandmother, for making Casey complete her studies) Once Casey had the candles targetted, though, a new problem emerged, when she tried what Queenie's husband had just tried. Adjusting the binoculars to see who was holding the candles. As Casey whispered "Now, lets just see who is HOLDING you "buggers" (British slang, for things like the candles)." When Casey adjusted the laser-targetting, on the area, around the candles, all the optics would show her was a faint, green, shadow. No measurements, or target-lock. It was as if the candles were floating, on their own. When Queenie's husband would ask "What did you see?" Casey would say "You wouldn't believe me, if I told you". After two more, similar, watches, Casey got smart and, when the "spirits" began walking the corridors, she whispered, to the husband and wife, "Inform me of the very first location where the spirits are sighted. Floor, room, and location, in room". After another watch, Queenie looked at Caseys drawing, of where the spirits were moving, and said "That about sums it up, except, ofcourse, for those few, who show up, only occassionally." Casey promised Queenie "We will deal with them, later. Let us handle the orderly ones, primarily". Casey had thought that it would be so easy. Since one, of the "regular" spirits, always seemed to start its haunt, in the Library Sitting Room, Casey put up a chair, in the same, general, area. Based upon Wilhelms map, Casey knew about where to sit, since the map showed an old, and long unused, passageway, behind some bookcases. When Casey had checked, behind the bookcases, to make sure the passage was, still, there, she found plenty of cob-webs, and no signs, of recent footsteps. After that, Casey just sat back and, with the help of some of Queenies coffee, waited and watched, for the "show" to begin. What should have baffled Casey was the difference, between how the passage door sounded, when she opened it, versus the sound, when her "guests" arrived. When Casey had opened the door, it had groaned, on its rusty hinges. Casey had told herself to remind Wilhelm that these doors needed oil, or grease. When her "guests" arrived, however, Casey should have noticed that the door made no sound, as the "guests" opened the passageway, to enter the Library. After Casey had a more-or-less solid view, of the intruders, including their hokey costumes, she stood up, turned on a lamp, then turned and started to say "Gotcha!", but only was able to verbalize the "Got...", when she turned to see the room was empty. When she wondered if the intruders had seen HER, and slipped out of the room, Casey rushed to the nearby door, and looked both ways, down the hallway. Knowing that no one was fast enough to run that far, and be clear of sight, before she opened the door, Casey went back to her lamp, switched it off, and got the surprise, of her evening. Once the room was cast back into shadow, Casey would turn back to her seat, only to see that the "intruders" were, still, in the room, WITH her. When Casey turned the light ON, again, they vanished, yet, when she turned it off, they were present. When Casey looked, closer, she noticed that the pair did not seem to be frightening, nor did they even seem to notice her. They just walked along the bookcase, as though seeking a particular volume. When Casey tried standing in their way, to see how they would react, she was startled when the two just walked right through her, as if Casey were not even there. When she called out, to them, there was no reply. Shortly after the "spook" session ended, and the three humans returned to the kitchen, for a re-cap, and a nightcap, Wilhelm would join them, while re-counting his own experience, with a spirit, that very night. Wilhelm would say "I did not believe it, at first, yet there it stood, before me." When Queenie would ask "WHAT stood before you?", Wilhelm would say "One of Captain Joshua's fellow privateers. Full uniform, everything. In fact, I thought he was a local, at first. He looked so REAL! I did not even realize that he was a spirit, until he passed right through a section, of wall, where the old map shows that a door was, once, mounted." When Casey would ask "What did he want?" Wilhelm would say "The man asked me to follow him to a place even I did not know existed, within Candleshoe." When Queenie asked "Did he reveal his identity?" Wilhelm would say "I was so shocked, I never bothered to question him. I just followed where he lead." When Casey asked "Where did he lead you?" Wilhelm would say "To a space, under the house. Some kind of storage area. Filled, to capacity, with hand-written volumes, I believe". When Queenie would correct him, saying "You mean journals." Wilhelm would say "I would think so." Casey would ask "Why would a spirit bother to lead you to a cashe of old journals?" Then, she remembered how the spirits, in the library, seemed to be looking for some volume. Could the two possibly be related? With Queenie, and her husband, busy, by day, running Candleshoe, that left just Wilhelm to assist Casey, in locating the inside entrance, to the journals hidden space. Man, was this place ever well-concealled. Had it not been for the spirits visit, the family might, never, have found the volumes. When Wilhelm, and Casey, gained access, to the chamber of volumes, neither was, really, sure of what they expected to find. Both thought it must be something important. Otherwise, why would the spirit bother to show it to Wilhelm? Although Casey was not surprised that she found it impossible to read the journals, what surprised her was when Wilhelm said the English, used, in the journals, was old enough, that even HE could only guess at the contents. When Casey asked "Well, then, what do we do, with them?" Wilhelm suggested "We could send them to the historical society, and let the staff, there, translate the volumes." Casey figured Why not? After all, what use were volumes, which they could not read? Shorty after the volumes were carted off, though, it seems that the spirits made their dis-pleasure known, by no less than toppling one of the carts. It seems that the attempted removal, of the volumes, really started "ramping up" the activity, at the estate. It would seem that the removal, of the volumes, had caused the spirits to become most restless, indeed. But, as even Queenie would point out "Why did the spirit show Wilhelm where to FIND the volumes, if the spirits did not want the volumes removed?" When the deceased began to out-number the living, by ten-to-one, Casey would agree with Queenie that it couldn't hurt to put the volumes back, where they were found. Simple enough, right? WRONG! It seems that the spirits wanted some form of "pennance", from the living. Just one spirit, though, made his intentions "known", to the humans, by gesturing to the volume, and presented it, to Wilhelm, as though saying "I WANT you to READ it" When Wilhelm would say "Apologies, I just do not understand your language", the spirit just kept gesturing. This would be when Casey would ask "Do you happen to have a computer scanner, in the house?" Queenie would say "Absolutely, no home, computing, device would be complete, without one" When Queenies husband would activate the estates computer, and ask "Any site, in particular you wish to browse?" Casey would suggest "Try "translations of old English", then Queenie would correct Casey, saying "Try "Translations of historic English, and its contemporaries"" When the "upload file" icon came on the screen, Queenies husband would begin scanning the documents, then transmitting them, over the internet. It would be over an hour, before the internet provided a response, to the inquiry. When the inquiry was received, though, it was less than inspiring. Most of the translations turned out to be nothing more than personal journals, of various sea-farers. Logs of places sailors had been to, what sailors had seen, and what sailors had collected. Only a very few contained entries, saying things like "I have been at sea, these past, ten, years, since I have no wish to return home, to the "arranged marriage", which awaits me. I have decided to marry my ship, and just keep my distance, from home. I do not want to be like (name obscured), and end up in a mmarriage, not of love, but of mutual loathing". When Casey would ask "Man, had they never heard of the concept of dissolution of marriage?" Queenie would say "No such practice existed, in their time. Only death could end an arranged marriage". At the end, of one sailors journal, was a reference, to a destination, and a final request that, after the sailors death, that the journal be returned to the English homeland, and presented to the widow. Aftre skimming the ledger, those, in attendance learned that a sailor had used his share, of the ships booty, to BUY an island, and some locals, to care for the land. The sailor then sent regular payments, to the islands staff, for maintenance and upkeep. When the man had enough money, to retire, he raised a family, who were instructed that, upon the sailors death, they were to log the pertinent facts, then return the ledger to the widow. The final entry, made by a crown official, would read "Un-abe to local said widow. Un-able to verify if widow even alive. Various stories persist, however, un-able to verify any. Some sources claim the woman died, of disease, while others say that she "effected an escape"." When Casey would ask "Effected an escape? Does that infer that the woman was held captive?" Queenie would correct her "Effecting an escape is the English term for the American version, entitled "Eloping"." When Casey would say "So, she ran off. Does it say what became of the mans belongings? How this journal ended up inside Candleshoe?" Queenie would say "In-conclusive. It would seem that, in the end, the journal would be assigned to a friend, of the sailor, who would deliver it to the "proper source". Still, Casey would want to know "Why the big deal? Was there someone the spirits wanted the humans to contact? If so, whom?" About the only item, of any interest, to the living, was another journals log entry, concerning another treasure. When Casey was like "Not another treasure hunt", it seems that a spirit took offense, by thowing something, light, yet solid, at the woman. When Casey would say "Hey, I have a family, to think about" A spirit seemed riled, until Queenie would state "Why do we not take some time, to ponder this situation." As if the spirit understood, they quieted down. By the time the group was back in the kitchen, for some food, Wilhelm, and Queenies husband had some news. "We have established the location of this "treasure". It would seem to be located on an un-charted island, in the Pacific." When Casey would ask "How do you know where it is, if its un-charted?" Queenies husband would say "By the coordinates, in the journal. The sailor provides directions, which are almost as accurate as GPS." With the distance, which would need to be covered, the discussion was "tabled", until later. When the family would try to, simply, return the journals, to their previous resting places, no one knew why the spirits objected, but some objected, most passionately (for spirits, that is). It was not until Casey would ask "What do they expect us to do? Return their stuff to relatives?" AT that moment, all action ceased and Queenie would say "It would appear that is the course of action, which the spirits wish us to undertake." Swell, Casey thought. When she decided to call her husband, with an update, on activities, she forgot to switch to American English, leaving her husband to ask "WHAT is the problem?" When Casey would say "Forgive me, I have just been here, for so long, and long held tradions expire, very slowly, in this environment" After that call, the next phase would be to start researching any surviving relatives, of the sailors. How difficut could this be? After all, it had only been centuries, since the journals were housed. It would only be after the process to return the volumes, to the space, was begun that Queenie, and Queenie's husband, Casey, and Wilhelm, would watch, as several spirits would enter the space, check their volumes, then return to their rest. Despite their best efforts, though, not one, of the living, could encourage the deceased to communicate. After the deceased were back at rest, Wilhelm would notice a hole, in a nearby wall. When he widened the hole, he found not only a passageway, but additional spaces, off to the sides. Queenie thought it reminded her of what Hades might look like. Casey, though, thought it, more, resembled an American subway system. (What Great Britain would call the Underground). As the family walked the corridors, of this place, ALL were amazed that this place had, never, been discovered. Especially with all it contained. Ancient crypts, with very OLDE English lettering, on their surfaces, make-shift bookcases, tapestries, clothes, an armoury, and even some sections, which contained more rare, and valuable, metals, as well as jewels, and so on. Wilhelm even discovered a passageway, whose identification seemed to either have worn off, or been cut off. Since Queenie, and her husband, were not as curious, as Casey, and Wilhelm, the couple returned to Candleshoe, to contemplate what these, new, finds, meant, for the old estate, even as Wilhelm lead Casey into a tunnel which, if he was correct, did not end at the cemetary. Boy! Was it LONG, though. After awhile, when Casey mentioned "I dont know about you, but I hope we see dayight, soon". Just over a mile, maybe two, at the most, beyond this point, Wilhelm spotted a light source, at the end of the tunnel. When the two reached the point of light, they found themselves peering through a crack, in a wall panel, whose other side was the den, of a neighbors house. Once Wilhelm was sure that the room, beyond the panel was abandoned, he slipped out, just long enough to verify WHOSE house they had entered. When he re-entered the tunnel, he gave Casey the "Be QUIET" signal, then lead her back to Candleshoe. Only once back on their own property, would Wilhelm tell Casey the basics of a disagreement, between the families, from centuries ago. Queenie, who was an "expert" on Candleshoe, by this time, then filled in the details. Sure, at one time, the families had been close, but, then a falling out had occurred. It seems that an arranged marriage had been contracted, long before, but without the consent of the couple, who were to be betrothed. The story was that, upon reaching marriageable age, the trouble started when both young people were found to be engaged to others. When the families reminded the young, of contractual committments, the young had said "No one asked US". When the young had refused to take part, in the contract, and live out lives, married to a person they might have "liked", but, by no means, loved, tempers had flared, on both sides. It seems that the family, at Candleshoe, was more inclined to accept the "childrens" decision, and not force the matter. The other family had demanded that the "children" marry, period. When faced with contractual marriage, or being dis-owned, by family, the young chose to be dis-owned. When Candleshoe would not denounce the young peoples decision, this had caused a rift, between the neighbors, which lasted for generations. It would not be until the past 200 years, or so, that the families would begin healing the old wounds. Well, just as the family thought that the spirit problem was solved, and Casey was preparing to return to America, two more problems showed up. Namely, Harold W. Bundage, and Clara Grimsworthy. Although Queenie would say that, like the others, she, too, could see Clara, plain as day, she said "It is not possible" When Casey asked "Why?" Queenie lead Casey back to the scrapbooks, which Grandmother had loved, so dearly, and showed Casey the pages, which the family had not known about, until after Casey left, for America. According to the media, Clara Grimsworthy had died, shortly after entering prison, and during some, un-specified, prison yard, "event". Okay, so Clara Grimsworthy was a spirit. What about Harold W. Bundage? According to the media, Bundage had been sentenced, yet his prison term had been commutted, to be served, in a nursing home, after his health began to falter, and exceeded what the prison could care for. He was, currently, confined to a nursing home, under round-the-clock care. (For some reason, Casey just could not feel any sympathy, for the man.) Still, Casey wanted to be sure. She wanted to SEE Bundage, for herself. When Queenie would drive Casey to the home, in question, both women were astounded to learn that Harold W. Bundage was not only present, but in I.C.U. When Queenie quiried the staff, staff verified that Bundage had fallen into a coma (surprisingly enough, just days before he showed up, in spirit form, at Candleshoe). When Casey asked the doctors about Bundages condition, the doctors would not give any committment, until, or IF, Bundage re-gained consciousness. Until then, it was just "Wait and See". On the drive, back to Candleshoe, Casey would ask Queenie "Do YOU believe in "Out of Body Experiences"?" Queenie would say that she was not sure. She was not about to agree that her home was being "haunted" by a commotose man, and a vengeful, deceased, former, servant. By the time the ladies returned to Candleshoe, though, it would seem as if "All Hell had broken loose", between the two con-artists, as Queenie, and Casey walked in to watch, even as Wilhelm, and Queenie's husbbandn watched as the silent pair, of spiritual images had some sort of "ghost fight". Queenie's husband would say "They have been going at it, like that, silently, for the better part of an hour. Wilhelm and I closed the house, until they are finished". Soon, "Bundage" and "Grimsworthy" had an audience, of four, sitting back, and laughing, as the spirits picked up invisible items, and tossed them at one another. That, and plenty of silent "shouting" about something. What it was, no human could guess. Still, it was hilarious, watching the spirits "pummelling" one another. After awhile, though, it seems that the spirits tired of the "fight", and exchanged some more words, before first Grimsworthy, then Bundage, dissolved, into thin air. Soon after this, the nursing home had sent word. Bundages condition had taken a turn for the worse. If doctors hadn't known the man was in a coma, and sedated, they would have sworn he was involved in a major league knock-down, drag-out, fight. But HOW, when he wasn't even awake? It would seem that the "strain" was too much, on his already-weak heart, which gave out. Bundage would receive a paupers funeral. Ironically, not far from where Grimsworthy would, also, have been buried, in another paupers grave. When Candleshoe would appear to have come to Rest-in-Peace, for the next two weeks, Casey would have Queenie agree to contact her, in America, if anything else turned up. With another heart-felt "Goodbye", to her family, Casey would drive back to the airport, where she thought she felt Grandmothers presence, and heard Grandmothers voice, saying "Be happy, my child". Casey just wondered what "happiness" was. Sure, she had a family, in America, but, to Casey, Candleshoe would, always be her true home. A place she hated to leave, yet again. It was just as Casey was wiping some tears, from her eyes that her cell-phone rang...