Alvin Fernald's Incredible Buried Treasure by Hicks Clifford B

Author:Hicks, Clifford B. [Hicks, Clifford B.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Purple House Press
Published: 2011-08-02T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

One day Jim made a point of announcing that he was leaving the next day for Indianapolis. This seemed strange to me as he seldom announced his business trips in advance. When I asked him the reason for the trip, he replied rather curtly, “New paper samples and paper stock.”

That left Hannah and me to entertain Lil’Nan for three days, which we joyfully did. I’m afraid that by the time Jim returned, she was fully spoiled.

Jim came rolling up to the shop in his little delivery wagon, raising a cloud of dust. With a grin and a wave at me, he jumped from the wagon. Obviously he was excited. He shouted for Hannah, who appeared directly with Nan. He seemed to gather us all into his chest with his big encircling arms.

He spoke only one word. “Surprise!” Then he handed me a small box wrapped in blue paper.

I questioned him with a glance, then took the box. With the rest looking on, I unwrapped it. Inside was another box, this one rather elaborate and lined with felt. And buried in the felt was the fanciest gold pocket watch I have ever seen.

Jim couldn’t contain himself. “Go ahead, Caleb! Open it! Open the gold disk that covers the glass and the dial!”

I thumbed open the cover to the watch and looked inside. The dial was a beauty, with the numerals made from a striking combination of gold and silver.

But it was the message engraved so gracefully on the cover of the watch that immediately attracted my attention:

For Caleb Getme,

My Closest Friend, and

Godfather to My Beloved Nan.

I looked up at Jim. He had a look of true happiness on his face, such as I’d never seen before.

My next move was involuntary. I simply went straight through the back door, slamming it behind me, and fled to The Palace, a sanctuary where I stayed for the remainder of the day.

The following morning I opened the shop door, crossed over to Jim, who was dressing the press, and seized and squeezed his arm. Nothing further was ever said about the watch. Nothing further ever needed to be said.

I wore it proudly for the rest of my life.

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