The Wishmonger, NEW fiction for Steemit, Part 16, links to other episodes

Roger ran to the door of the elevator. He nearly tipped over one of the heavy book carts dragging it out of the way. He flipped the power on and pushed the basement button. The old machine rattled and thumped its way down. The gate flew up with a bang and dust billowed from it as Roger bolted out of the elevator car.

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“It's about time,” Joey said, looking up from a book he had been calmly reading.

Roger smiled. “You won't believe what just happened to me while you were sitting down here reading.”

The boys rode up, Roger recounting his adventures while Joey listened, wide eyed. The front door refused to open, but it only took a minute to find a modern fire escape door with a push bar that led to a ramp and the boys were out in the open air.

From their vantage point near the steps of the bandstand gazebo they watched the library for the rest of the afternoon, looking for some sign of a fleeing Matthias, none came. After their harrowing moments in the library basement, Joey and Roger were both certain they would never feel the same about a trip to the library again.

Being none the worse for wear the two were now doubly determined to solve the mystery before them. What was the purpose of the skeleton key, and where would they find the key to the fountain? Undoubtedly, as Matthias had said, it would be in the last place they looked.

Roger was now convinced that a part of the answer lay in the hall of records on the top floor of the library. Why else would Matthias be headed there after hours? And what about the voice? That was one part of this riddle that neither of the boys was eager to investigate.

After much discussion they decided that the answer lay in solving Matthias’ riddle. They would assume for now that they had already asked, and received the small silver skeleton key. Now, they reasoned their next step would be to seek out the lock that it opened. Having no other leads than the idea of searching the hall of records, and since the library was closed for the day, Roger suggested an expedition to the fountain. It was just now four o’clock and both boys were expected at Roger’s house for dinner at six, so they should have plenty of time.

They hitched Joey’s chair to Roger’s bike and set off. After making certain they were not being observed, Roger turned off into the drive that lead to the park. Joey’s chair fit neatly through the door in the gate, which was a bit of a concern, and in less than a quarter hour they found themselves in the fountain gazebo.