Excited by Judy’s discovery, Kathleen held the candle higher.
As she raised it in line with the brick which Judy’s exploring hand had found, a direct current of air extinguished the flame.
The three were left in total darkness.
“I’ll get some matches,” Miss Meadows said eager to be out of the basement. “But is there any need to explore further? Haven’t we discovered everything there is to learn?”
“Not quite everything,” said Judy. “We’ve learned where that musty odor comes from though. It is being blasted in through the broken mortar.”
“How strange,” Kathleen murmured. “Shouldn’t there be solid dirt or rock behind these walls and under the floor?”
“One would think so,” Judy agreed thoughtfully, “unless—”
“There might be a tunnel connected with the cottage!” Kathleen speculated.
“A tunnel, possibly tied up with Calico Cave,” Judy carried on the thought. “Even so, that doesn’t explain those strange banging noises.”
Leaving the girls alone in the cellar, Miss Meadows went quickly for matches. She returned promptly and the candle was relighted.