The Wild Ways

CHAPTER 6

A Setback

“Wow! We found the keys to the treasure.”

Oscar just knelt there, his mouth hanging open, looking at what he held in his hand. Is it possible? Could these really be keys to something that holds the buried treasure?

Larry, excitement getting the best of him, was running around in circles like a madman, arms flailing. Oscar’s mind whirled. “Naw, it isn’t possible. It couldn’t be. It just can’t BE.”

“Oh, yes it can, brother!” Larry knelt next to Oscar in the shadow of the hanging tower. “Let’s see it. Let me take a look at it.”

Oscar handed the keys to Larry.

“Oh, wow. There’s two of ’em. We struck it rich, Oscar!”

“Not hardly.” Oscar’s wits were just beginning to return. “What do you suppose they’re for?”

“I’ll bet one of them unlocks the door to this house.” Larry had trouble containing himself. “Let’s try it.” He jumped up and raced around the corner onto the porch, heading for the front door.

“Larry, WAIT!” Oscar jumped to his feet and raced to catch up.

Just as Oscar reached the step leading to the porch, Larry inserted the key into the lock on the door.

Oscar stopped and stared. He could see Larry’s shoulders lean into the key as he tried to turn it in the lock. “The darned thing won’t turn.” His motions were now frantic as he turned the key back and forth. “It won’t open.”

Oscar was frozen on the front step, unable to move.

“Larry. Stop and listen to me.” Finally, Oscar’s legs started to work again, and he jumped on the porch, racing to Larry’s side.

Larry, ignoring Oscar’s presence, gave a mighty effort to turn the key.

SNAP!

Larry withdrew his hand, holding part of the key.

“Aw, shoot.” He turned and looked at Oscar. “It just broke. I barely turned it. It musta been rusted.” Larry’s face was flushed, and he failed to meet Oscar’s gaze.