My dearest Etta, we are in need of your wise counsel concerning the Baron's statue. Surely there is a proper way to cover his nakedness? Sarah and Grace stick out their tongues at it and Lyndel refuses to look that direction altogether. Elizabeth planted vines around the base, but I fear it will take years to grow them long enough to cover his nakedness. Can you think of something?

We anxiously await word of you and send all our love,

Mary Carson

Post script: My darling Caroline, how grand love is in America.

A few minutes after the Grandfather clock finished chiming the midnight hour, Caleb and Uriah quietly opened the study door. All was clear. Leaving the door slightly ajar, they crept across the dark assembly room to the base of the statue. Anxiously, Uriah glanced up at his bedchamber. The door was closed.

At the same time Caleb examined a closed door in the opposite direction, "I thought Elizabeth would never tire."

"So did I. Hold the vine."

Caleb knelt down and moved Elizabeth's newly planted vine aside. He watched Uriah work the right foot of the statue lose and cringed at the scraping noise. Finally, it gave way.

Just as Uriah thought, the inside of the foot was hollow. He pulled a leather pouch filled with jewels from his pocket, stuffed it inside and replaced the foot.

Caleb released the vine and rearranged it over the crack. He dusted off his hands, led the way back to the study and closed the door behind them.