Then it was that Katherine had another inspiration. 253 “I’ve got a plan worth two of that,” she said, beginning to giggle in anticipation. “Let’s bury her at the base of the rock in the ravine, and then mark the rock so mysteriously that somebody who comes after us will fall for it and dig up the earth. You’re good at that sort of thing, Hinpoha, you carve some fearful and wonderful things on that rock. Won’t they get a shock, though, when they come to Eeny-Meeny?” In their mind’s eye they could all see the sensation caused by the discovering of Eeny-Meeny possibly years hence at the base of the rock, and the prank appealed to them irresistibly.
Of course, the mention of the rock in the ravine brought out the story of the Trail of the Seven Cedars and the fruitless search for Indian relics. The judge listened to the tale with a peculiar expression of interest. “By the way,” he said casually, when they had finished, “did you know that I happen to own that stretch of land?”
The Winnebagos and Sandwiches were much taken aback. “Do you mind awfully, because we dug up the ground?” asked Gladys. “Why didn’t you tell us your father owned the land?” she said, turning reproachfully to the twins.
“We didn’t know it,” said Antha, “but I don’t think papa minds our digging it up, do you, Papa?”
“Not in the least,” said the judge, chuckling. “And I think it would be the best joke in the world to ‘plant’ Eeny-Meeny at the base of the rock. Some 254 time or other that land will be sold, and I will see to it that hints are dropped to whoever buys it that there are Indian relics on the premises and they are invariably found at the bases of marked rocks. That’s the best joke I’ve heard in years. Katherine, you’re a genius. That idea of yours was surely inspired.”
So the Principal Diversion for the last week was the burial of Eeny-Meeny. After elaborate farewell ceremonies had been held over her on Ellen’s Isle she was put into a canoe and towed across the lake, then taken out and carried along the Trail of the Seven Cedars to the ravine. All the family went along to see the fun and take part in the last rites. But at the entrance to the ravine there was a ripple of astonishment. The cedar tree which had stood half way up the side, the largest and oldest of the seven, had been uprooted by the storm and lay at length in the bottom of the ravine. Where it had been there was a great gaping hole in the hillside. Numbers of rocks had come down with it and rolled into the excavation made by the boys and girls, carrying with them great quantities of earth, so that it was no longer an open pit. The whole appearance of the ravine had been changed by the falling of the tree.
The funeral party paused, uncertain whether to go to the work of taking the rocks out of Eeny-Meeny’s grave or dig a new one somewhere else. 255 While they stood around and talked it over Slim grew weary and went up the hillside to sit down in the hollow left by the roots of the tree, which looked to him like a comfortable seat. He settled himself heavily, but no sooner had he done so than the ground broke away under him and he disappeared with a yell.
“Where are you?” cried the rest in amazement, running to the spot.
“Inside the hill,” came Slim’s voice from beyond the hole. “There’s a cave here and I’m in it.”
“Are you hurt?” they called.