"Sounds good," Harry replied, already looking forward to another story.
"Then I'll leave you to your writing." Silas closed the door as he left.
Harry looked at the computer screen, but was unable to stay focused. He shut down the computer and returned to the house. He had company coming tomorrow and nothing to offer them with their coffee except cheese and crackers. He couldn't go to Janet's - Moe would have his hide if he disobeyed doctor's orders, he thought, smiling.
********************
The next morning, Harry called Miss Pinkerton and repeated what Silas had told him. "Are you familiar with the stories of smugglers using the tunnel from the cave to the bridge before those three who blocked it?"
"That's an old story, but yes, I've heard it. I can tell you the tunnel existed long ago. Some of the people I assisted sometimes sheltered there during the day, and continued their journey after dark. There were cell-like places along the tunnel, which I assume was where the illicit rum was stored."
"Sounding better all the time," he said.
"Why didn't you come over to ask this?"
Harry told her about his little mishap and the consequences.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
"So am I," he said, with a chuckle. "The boys will have to get the baked goods this time.”
"I'm sure you'll manage," she replied, laughing.
Several hours later, Harry had just finished supper when he heard a knock on the door. Thinking the boys were early, he limped to the door, calling out, "Hold your horses." He opened the door and there stood Glory, with a big smile on her face and holding a large tray of assorted tea buns and muffins. "Glory, you are an angel," he said. "Thank you."
"Just lending a helping hand," she said. "Miss Pinkerton told me everything. Let me know what they tell you. Perhaps I can help. I heard those stories too."
"So this is partly a bribe, is it? I'll keep it in mind. And thank you both for the tray of goodies."
"Pay attention to anything about Burton's Bar, I know that story quite well."
"You got it. Thanks again."
"Always glad to help," she said, as she turned and walked back to her car.
Harry got out Mildred's serving cart for the first time since her death. He loaded everything onto it, rolled it into the living room and plugged in the coffeepot. But his knee was aching so he sat in the recliner, with the footrest up. He still had half an hour before the boys were due.
His visitors arrived on time and Silas did the necessary introductions. While they were getting coffee and settling down, Joe looked at Harry. "Why here?"
Harry briefly explained his accident, ending with "That's why we're meeting here. Artie seems to have something to add to the tunnel story."
Artie nodded. "I assume you're all familiar with Burton's Bar." Everyone nodded and he continued. "You may also know that the current building is - I think - the fifth one, all built on the same spot. All previous buildings were destroyed by fire, and all thought to have been arson.
