C. J. B.
THE MYSTERIOUS CHEST.
'It is hard lines it should rain the first day of the holidays,' said George, somewhat gloomily, as he looked out at the heavy downpour, which was fast changing the tennis-lawn into a miniature lake.
'No chance of a game!' sighed Pelham, thinking of the swamped cricket-field.
'If you two lads want an indoor job, I have one for you, and one that has baffled me,' said Mr. Carteret, looking up from his paper.
'What is it, Father?' asked Pelham, the eldest boy.
'A lot of things were sent here from Vale Place last month, and amongst them an oak chest, which I cannot unlock, try as I may, so I waited for you two, as I know you are more handy with your fingers than I am,' answered his father.
'We will soon tackle it!' said Pelham, confidently.