KATIE SURVIVED THE REST of the day by Miss McGuffin’s side. Without Maggie or Trey to talk to, it was boring. Even worse was the fact that Katie could hardly contain herself over the sign she spotted in the Strahov Library. But at dinner, after she was sure no more mischief would happen, Miss McGuffin released Katie to sit with her friends.
“You wouldn’t believe what I saw,” Katie said as she sat down at the table with Maggie and Trey.
“Hopefully, a sign to tell you to stop searching for the gold,” Trey answered.
“Stop being such a spoil-sport,” Katie said. “I saw something quite the contrary.”
“What was it?” Maggie asked.
“When I was leaving that room at the library, I saw on a book on a table. It was called ‘The City of Gold.’ Don’t you find that to be a bit odd?”
“I’m sure it’s just a coincidence,” Trey said.
“But that’s a strange coincidence. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Trey took a drink of water and then slammed his glass down. “Katie, I think you should just enjoy the few days we have left in Prague and quit looking for something that isn’t here.”
“Oh, it’s here all right. I can feel it.”
Maggie grabbed Katie’s hand and squeezed it. “It’s okay if we don’t find the gold. We’re here to see a new and interesting place, not uncover a mystery.”
“We can do both.” Tears started to well up in Katie’s eyes. “I don’t care what either of you say — I know the gold is here and I’m going to find it.”
Trey sighed and shook his head. “There’s no convincing you, is there? We just don’t want you to get into any more trouble. Just promise me you won’t get into any more trouble.”
“Promise,” Katie answered.
Trey smiled. “Now that that’s settled, let’s finish our meal.”
***
LATER THAT EVENING, Katie and Maggie were sitting in their room reading when they heard a knock on their door. It was Trey.
“Turn on the television, you guys,” he said. “You won’t believe what’s on.”
“You aren’t supposed to be in here,” Maggie said, unwilling to budge from the front of the door.
“Just trust me,” Trey said. “Katie needs to see this. Channel five. It’s the only one where they speak English.”
Katie put down her book and trudged to the television. “How do you turn this thing on?”
“Here let me show you,” Trey said as he pushed his way past Maggie.
“Trey!” Maggie exclaimed.
“It’s all right. I’ll be gone before you know it.” Trey grabbed the remote and punched a few buttons until the television came to life.
Katie gaped as she stared at the man on the screen and the words plastered beneath him on the international new channel. It read:
Prof. Templeton finds hidden stash
of Nazi gold in Prague
“I knew it!” Katie said. “I told you it was here!”
“You were right, Katie,” Trey admitted. “But it’s gone. Someone found it. Can we move on now?” He exited the room.
Katie clicked the television off and began to cry. “I thought for sure we were going to find it.”
Maggie put her arm around her. “Don’t worry, Katie. We still have a few more days here to have fun and enjoy it. Besides, at least you got to meet the man who did find it.”
Katie tried to force a smile. It was unconvincing. She sat still for a moment in silence. She wiped her teardrops with the back of her hand then stood up and smiled.
“You think that’s the only treasure in Prague?” she said and returned to reading her book.
CHAPTER 15
The Old Man
and the Riddle
NONE OF THE STUDENTS liked the idea of moving to a different place. They liked the hotel in downtown Prague. It had a heated swimming pool and 24-hour room service, something Miss McGuffin had to stop after Jeremiah Theodore Johnson the Fourth ordered 17 candy bars at midnight. Everyone just assumed they were going to another hotel somewhere. But Miss McGuffin had a surprise for everyone: they were going to spend the last few days of their trip in a castle.
Nestled into a wooded area outside of Prague, the Chateau Zbiroh offered stunning views. And while it was called a “chateau,” one glance and you knew it was really a castle. About the only thing missing was a drawbridge and a moat.
Mouth agape, Katie spun around as she walked through the front door. “This is amazing!”
Maggie nodded, though Katie was too busy staring at the ornate paintings coating the wall and the gaudy gold fixtures to notice.
The class stood in a small cluster while Miss McGuffin checked them all in and secured room keys for everyone. Tired, Katie found a small couch and sat down next to an elderly gentleman. He leaned forward on his cane and smiled at Katie.
“Class trip?” the man asked in a thick Russian accent.
Katie nodded. “We’re visiting from New York.”
“First time in Prague?”
“First time anywhere, really,” Katie said.
“So, what do you think of this place?”
Katie looked around the room again. “It’s incredible. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
“It is. The real shame is that the most beautiful thing in this castle is hidden away somewhere.”
Katie stopped and stared at the man. “What do you mean? Is there a hidden treasure here?”
The man chuckled. “Are you a treasure hunter?”
Katie laughed. “No, but I want to be. Are you?”
“Not really. But I dabble in it.”
“And are you here to help someone?”
The man shrugged. “Perhaps.”
Katie scooted to the edge of the couch and stared at the man. “So, what’s the big treasure that’s supposedly hidden here? I guess it’s not the Nazi gold.”
“No, the Nazi gold is a myth.”
Katie’s eyes widened. “What about the guy who found all that gold in Prague yesterday? Wasn’t that the Nazi gold?”
“Turned out to be fake. The real treasure is in this castle — and it has nothing to do with gold.”
Katie cocked her head. “Then what does it have to do with?”
“A room. The Amber Room, to be precise.”
“You mean there’s a secret room hidden here?”
Before the man could answer, one of the hotel’s employees interrupted. “Making up more stories, Mister Milkovich? I think this young lady has more interesting things to do than listening to your tales. I’d rather not report you to my boss. Now run along.”
The old man growled and pulled himself up on his cane. He hobbled away without looking back.
Katie put her hands on her hips and stared at the hotel employee. “Do you always run off nice elderly gentlemen like that? He wasn’t doing any harm to me by telling me a story.”
The employee adjusted his bow tie. “Perhaps not, but he likes to make up stories that hurts the chateau’s reputation. This castle is not some treasure chest for people to come rummaging through. And if you’re smart, you’ll forget anything he told you — because it’s all something he created in his head.”
Katie sighed. She started to walk away before she stopped and turned around. “Even if he is making stuff up, you ought not treat the old man like he’s bothering others. You should be more respectful to him.”
“It’s difficult to respect a crazy person,” he answered.
“Difficult doesn’t mean impossible,” Katie quipped.
Katie grabbed Maggie and they walked outside to gawk at the exterior of the castle. Just beyond the doors, the old man sat on a bench and tapped his cane to a rhythm apparently only he could hear.
“Young lady,” the man said. “Come here.”
Katie walked over to him with Maggie reluctantly in tow.
“I want to thank you for standing up to that punk for me,” he said. “He’s always running me off and threatening to report me.”
“And don’t believe a word he says. I think he doesn’t want anyone else snooping around the castle for the treasure because he wants it for himself. I’ve seen him several times in the secret passageways beneath the castle with a flashlight and some treasure hunting equipment.”
Katie pursed her lips. “You mean to tell me he’s looking for the treasure and telling everyone you’re crazy because you’re getting in his way?” She started to walk back inside before Maggie grabbed her.
“Calm down, Katie,” Maggie said. “There are other ways to deal with him.”
“Like how?” Katie asked.
“Like by finding the treasure,” the man said.
Katie smiled. “I like how you’re thinking.” She sat down next to him. “Can you give me any clues?”
The old man chuckled. “If I had any clue to where it was, I’d have found it long ago. But it’s beneath the castle somewhere.”
“That’s it?” Katie said. “It’s just down there somewhere?”
The old man nodded. “I wish I had more, but there’s not much more to go on.”
They both sat on the bench for a moment and gazed at the wooded hills surrounding the castle.
“Well, there is this one thing—” he said.
“What is it?” Katie asked.
“It’s a riddle. I’m not sure where it came from, but it goes like this:
The key to the treasure is found here,
As you get closer, it will get near,
Look up, look down, look all around,
The one who finds it won’t hear a sound.”
Katie wasn’t sure what to make of the riddle. “And no one has solved it yet?”
The old man shook his head. “No one.”
“Does it even makes sense?” she asked.
“I’ll bet it does if you find the key.”
“So you think we need to look for a key?” she asked again.
“It would seem that way. But what do I know? I’m just a crazy old man.”
The man struggled to stand up and Katie grabbed his arm to help him. “Thank you, young lady,” he said. “Now be careful.”
Katie nodded. “We will.” She watched him disappear around the corner. Then she turned to Maggie. “Do you think we can find the treasure?”
Maggie threw her hands in the air. “When are you going to let it go? When?”
“When I find the Amber Room,” she shot back. “Don’t worry. I’m going to find it.”
CHAPTER 16
Behind the Velvet Rope
WHILE THERE WERE SEVERAL SITES to see in the countryside, none interested any of the students in Katie’s class more than the Chateau Zbiroh. With an 800-year-old watchtower that soared above the castle’s manicured estate, it certainly appeared as if royalty lived there. And with several stories of endless rooms creating further mystery, every student couldn’t wait to explore the magnificent structure.
Miss McGuffin excited everyone with news that they were going to explore the castle. However, the word “explore” meant something different to Katie and her teacher. For Miss McGuffin, “explore” meant going on a tour and having someone tell you all the interesting facts and history related to the castle. For Katie, “explore” meant striking off on an adventure without the watchful eye of a tour guide, who would scold you for ducking underneath any velvet ropes. Katie gasped when she realized it was Miss McGuffin’s version of the word that would consume their next two hours.
While they waited for the entire class to gather, Katie slumped into a chair. She put her chin on her knuckles and stuck out her bottom lip.
Maggie sat down next to her and put her arm around Katie. “Are you still thinking about finding some treasure in this castle?”
Katie nodded but said nothing.
Maggie went on with her attempt to console her friend. “You know there probably isn’t any, right?”
Still silent, Katie shook her head.
“I think it’s great that you want to be a treasure hunter like Mister Templeton, but you can’t expect your career to start when you’re ten years old. Besides, what do you know about searching for treasures anyway?”
Katie turned and glared at Maggie. She pulled Trixie out of her pocket. “What’s there to know? You look until you find a treasure — and you need one of these.” She shook Trixie.
Maggie drew back and stared at Katie. “It’s not that easy. When you’re looking for a treasure, you have to respect the property where you are searching. You have to understand history and culture. I think you might like to learn more about those things before you become a professional treasure hunter.”
Katie thought for a moment. “You’re probably right — but I can be a treasure hunter in training right now, can’t I?”
“Sure you can. But maybe this isn’t the place to start.”
Katie shook her head. “You know what they say? ‘There’s no time like the present.’”
And with that, Katie stood up and began following the tour guide who beckoned the class to follow her. Maggie walked in step with her.
“For the next ninety minutes, I’ll be showing you some of the wonder and majesty of Chateau Zbiroh,” the tour guide said. Then she began explaining some of the history behind why some people called the Chateau Zbiroh the “Castle of Three Emperors,” Katie backed slowly down the hall until she remained hidden behind a large pillar. Maggie motioned for her to rejoin the group, but to no avail. Katie shook her head and waited until the group began walking farther down the hall.
Maggie froze for a moment before darting over to Katie.
“What are you doing?” Maggie asked in a hushed whisper.
“I’m going treasure hunting — and you are, too.”
***
THE GIRLS MOVED as fast as they could without running, though Katie wondered if anyone would really notice if she broke into a sprint. There was no one in the hallway now that the class had moved on. But as they rounded the corner, Katie was glad she nixed the idea of running, for in front of her stood one of the hotel bellhops.
He stopped and put his hands on his hips, his broad shoulders casting a looming shadow on the girl as the sun beamed through the window behind him. “Did you get separated from your group?” he asked.
Katie shook her head. “No, I— I was just looking for the restroom?”
The man cocked his head and furrowed his brow. “Well, you’re not headed in the right direction. The restrooms are that way,” he said, pointing behind them.
Katie smiled. “Thank you so much. I don’t know if I can hold it much longer.”
The two girls then dashed down the hall to the restroom.
Once the door swung shut behind them, Maggie started questioning Katie. “Are you crazy? You just lied to that man.”
“No, I didn’t. I really was looking for the restroom — and I didn’t get separated from the group. We left them, remember? I needed to pee before we started.”
Maggie sighed. “I don’t like this, Katie. We’re going to get in trouble.”
Katie chuckled. “Everyone will forget all about anything once we find the treasure.”
Throwing her hands in the air, Maggie growled. “Ahhh, Katie. Don’t you see? There’s probably no treasure here and we’re only going to get in trouble.”
“But aren’t you curious at least a little bit?”
“Well— of course, I am. But—”
“But what? You think Trey’s right and that I’m crazy for thinking such things? Well, we’ll see who’s crazy and who’s clever.”
Maggie shook her head. “I think you’re both, Katie.”
“And we’ll need just the right amount of both to find the treasure that old man told me about.”
***
AFTER SEARCHING for a few minutes, the girls were unable to find a way down into the belly of the building. Katie explained to Maggie that the treasure was located somewhere underneath the castl
e.
“How do you know it’s underneath the castle?” Maggie asked.
“Call it a treasure hunter’s instinct.”
“But you’re not a— oh, never mind.”
***
KATIE AND MAGGIE WANDERED along several long halls until they stumbled upon one guarded only by a rope. Katie didn’t hesitate to step over the rope and was nearly on the other side when she felt Maggie’s hand grab her on the arm.
“Are you sure we should be doing this?” Maggie asked.
Katie hoisted her leg onto the other side and stared at Maggie. “Of course we should. There’s no sign that says ‘Stay Out,’ is there? I think it’s merely a suggestion to less curious guests, letting them know that there’s nothing posh this way. But we’re not here for a posh visit, are we?”
Maggie shook her head. “I feel like I need to be the voice of reason here and say that this is going too far.”
“You’re welcome to stay behind, but if you want to find the treasure, you’re going to hop over this rope and join me.”
Maggie stood still for a moment. Katie did not.
Before Maggie could properly consider what to do, Katie struck off down the hallway toward a stairwell a few yards away.
“Wait!” Maggie said as she climbed over the rope. “You shouldn’t go down there alone.”
Katie turned around and flashed a big smile at her friend. “I knew you’d come along.”
“Well, I couldn’t just leave you here by yourself, could I?”
Down the stone stairwell they went. It was dimly lit with small lights only about every twenty steps — just enough to see the next set of steps around the corner. Around and around and around they went. It seemed like ten minutes to Katie.
“When does this thing end?” Maggie asked.
“Right about now,” Katie answered as she reached the bottom step.
Maggie joined her and they both stared, mouths agape. The bottom of the stairs led them to a dark hallway. Strange inscriptions were chiseled into the surrounding stone walls. Doors lined the hallway, one across from the other about every forty feet.
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