Ø look At The Front Gate You are standing at the front gate of a picturesque, rural Victorian home. An intricate brick walkway meanders north and west from here across the front lawn toward the modest house on a hill. The dominant feature here is the spacious orchard to the west which sprawls over much of the front half of the acreage. A massive maple tree to the northwest commands attention with its impressive stature. In the distance, at the front of the house, you can see an arched cobblestone foot bridge. A white picket fence that surrounds the estate prevents you from venturing south and helps to keep intruders and nuisance wildlife out. A large topiary is visible in the distance to the northeast. Large blood drops form a trail that lead north along the brick walkway. Ø x the blood There is no way of knowing whether it is human or not, but the trail consists of large spots of blood on the walkway that leads up to the front of the house. You can tell which way the trail goes from the shape of the drops. If it is human, then judging from the amount of blood the wound was probably not serious. It looks more like what a bloody nose or a cut finger would leave behind. The blood is still quite fresh. Ø follow the blood You follow the trail of blood to the north along the brick path. On A Brick Walkway You are on a brick path that leads northwest from the main gate across the front lawn and makes its way up towards the house. The orchard is visible to the west while in the distance to the north, alongside the house, you can see what appears to be a well and a gazebo. A trail of blood drops follows along the brick path towards the house. Ø g (follow the blood) You follow the drops of blood northwest along the brick path. On A Brick Walkway You are on the brick walkway that connects the various areas of the property. A small footbridge that spans a small creek is in the distance to the northwest. The path also continues to the southeast along the hedges and leads out to the road. A large maple tree, guarding the orchard entrance to the west, hangs overhead. A trail of large blood drops follows the brick walkway northwest towards the house. As the late autumn afternoon light begins to fade, distant church bells announce four o'clock in the afternoon. Ø g (follow the blood) The trail of blood takes you northwest along the brick walkway towards the house. On A Brick Walkway You are on the brick walkway that connects the various areas of the property. A small footbridge that spans a small creek is to the northwest and the gate to the orchard is to the south. The path also continues to the southeast along the hedges and leads out to the road. Large drops of blood form a trail that leads northwest towards the house. Ø g (follow the blood) You continue to follow the trail of blood onto a cobblestone footbridge. On A Small Foot Bridge You are standing on an arched cobblestone footbridge that spans a small creek flowing through the property. The stream itself flows from the northeast to the southwest down the gentle slope of the land. You can see the full splendor of a magnificent Victorian home to the north while across the stream you can see the front lawn and orchard. The brick walkway continues on to the southeast. A trail of blood leads north towards the front door of the house. Dark clouds fill the early winter sky forewarning of a storm to come. Overhead, the dusky sky is briefly illuminated by long tortuous fingers of lightning accompanied by a loud, sharp cracking sound and the heavy rumbling of thunder that seems too close for comfort. Almost instantly the sound of sporadic rain drops hitting the ground turns into a steady rain. Ø g (follow the blood) The blood trail leads north toward the front door of the house. You follow it with apprehension. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. A trail of large blood drops leads up the stairs to the front door of the house. Ø g (follow the blood) You follow the trail of fresh blood up the stairs and onto the veranda. The blood drops lead right to the front door. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø w You make your way west along the porch. On The Veranda The veranda truly is impressive as it stretches the entire length of the front of the house, the columns supporting the roof gradually becoming more spaced as the balustrade extends around the corner to the west. The front of the house itself is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. The front door to the house is on the porch to the east. Across the front lawn to the south you can see an orchard. Ø w You continue along the veranda to the corner of the porch. You are suddenly startled by the sound of the front door slamming shut. You hastily wheel around on your heels trying to see who is there but nobody is present. You stand motionless for a moment contemplating what could have just happened. You return to the front door and call out, "Hello? Is there anybody there?" but there is no response. You press your ear to the door hoping to hear footsteps from inside but are greeted with silence instead. Puzzled, you return back to the corner of the veranda. Just as you arrive you catch a glimpse of something large running along the walkway at the side of the house and disappearing around the corner. You lean over the railing to get a better look but are a little too late. Whoever, or whatever, it was is gone now. On The Veranda You are standing on the veranda at the corner of the house. From here the porch continues along the western side of the house to the north. Across a small walkway below you see a beautiful terraced garden while in the distance to the south you can see the magnificent expanse of the front lawn and orchard. The front door to the house is to the east. Ø n You make your way around the corner of the veranda following the porch north along the western wall of the house. On The Veranda On this side of the house the columns that support the veranda are widely spaced providing an unobstructed view of the magnificent terraced garden to the west. Large shuttered bay windows make up much of the western wall of the house. Over the railing of the veranda to the south you can see a large expanse of lush green lawn. The patio continues along to the north for a short distance. You can also follow the veranda south and around the corner of the house to the front door. Ø n You continue north along the veranda. The porch ends here up against a solid wall with no door or window. You nervously look around not knowing what strange thing may happen next. Several uneventful minutes pass and you begin to think that maybe your imagination is playing tricks on you. Then you notice the soft sound of ballroom music coming from the other side of the wall. It is so quiet as to be almost imperceptable but the sound permeates nonetheless. You press your ear to the outside wall hoping to hear the music better and confirm that it is really there but, strangley, the music stops. On The Veranda The veranda ends abruptly here as a solid wall with no windows blocks passage any further to the north. To the west across a small path you can see the beautiful terraced garden cut into the landscape. A small wooden structure is barely visible towards the backyard to the northwest. The porch continues south from here along the side of the house. Ø s You move south along the porch. On The Veranda On this side of the house the columns that support the veranda are widely spaced providing an unobstructed view of the magnificent terraced garden to the west. Large shuttered bay windows make up much of the western wall of the house. Over the railing of the veranda to the south you can see a large expanse of lush green lawn. The patio continues along to the north for a short distance. You can also follow the veranda south and around the corner of the house to the front door. Ø s You move south. On The Veranda You are standing on the veranda at the corner of the house. From here the porch continues along the western side of the house to the north. Across a small walkway below you see a beautiful terraced garden while in the distance to the south you can see the magnificent expanse of the front lawn and orchard. The front door to the house is to the east. Ø e You make your way east following the porch along the front of the house. On The Veranda The veranda truly is impressive as it stretches the entire length of the front of the house, the columns supporting the roof gradually becoming more spaced as the balustrade extends around the corner to the west. The front of the house itself is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. The front door to the house is on the porch to the east. Across the front lawn to the south you can see an orchard. Ø e You move along the front of the house towards the front door. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø knock on the door You lift the handle of the knocker and knock it against the brass strike plate three times. Knock...Knock...Knock... The sound of slow, heavy footsteps approaches the door from the inside. The wooden door viewer slides open and the strong lower jaw of a man appears in the opening. After several tense moments he begins to speak in a low, monotone voice... "Ah...you must be Corey...I have been expecting you. You must forgive me as I am terribly busy making preparations for the funeral; I'm sure you understand. With the bridge washed out because of all the rain and no way to get into town I must take care of some urgent matters on my own. Please feel free to come in and have a look around. I do trust that you know where the key is then?" With that the wooden door viewer closes and you hear the sound of footsteps walking away from the door. This leaves you puzzled. You only just arrived and crossed the bridge into town no more than and hour ago. The river did seem pretty high at the time, but how could this old man know that the bridge was now washed out. Ø x the door Made from mahogany, this beautifully hand-crafted door is the entranceway to the house. Fixed to the door at about head height is a brass door knocker above which is a sliding wooden door viewer. Above the door is a transom that separates the door from a small window. As you survey your surroundings you suddenly get a chill that begins at the base of your neck and slowly works its way to the small of your back. You have the uncanny feeling that you are being watched. Ø x the transom The transom is simply a horizontal crosspiece of wood between the top of the door and the window above it. There appears to be a small ledge just below the window. Senses heightened, you cannot shake the feeling of a presence. You feel the short hairs on the back of your neck slowly rise to attention and small goose bumps form on your arms. Uncontrollably, your whole body shudders slightly. Ø x the ledge You stand on your tiptoes and reach up to feel along the edge of the transom. You think you might feel something... Without warning a large black wolf spider falls from the ledge and lands at your feet and you jump back while uttering a small cry. God how you hate spiders. Creepy little things with beady eyes and quick, jerky movements. You attempt to step on it and thus alleviate your impetuous fear but before you can it disappears between the wooden planks that make up the deck. Your heart racing, you take a moment to regain your composure. Was there something else up on that ledge... Ø g (x the ledge) You stand on your tip-toes and reach up to feel along the edge of the transom. A skeleton key is on the small ledge. Ø get the skeleton key You take the skeleton key from the small ledge. Ø x the mailbox The pedestal style mailbox, cast from aluminum, stands about four feet high and has been painted white to match the trim of the house. The mailbox itself is shaped like a house with an elaborately carved roof. The mail flap has the word "LETTERS" embossed on the front. The mailbox is locked. Ø unlock it (the mailbox) You unlock the mailbox with the skeleton key. Ø open it (the mailbox) You open the mailbox. A large manila envelope is inside the mailbox. Ø get the envelope You take the large manila envelope from the mailbox. Ø x it (the large manila envelope) This is just a standard manila coloured envelope. The large manila envelope is closed. Ø open it (the large manila envelope) You open the large manila envelope. A parchment is inside the large manila envelope. Ø get the parchment You take the parchment from the large manila envelope. Ø read it (the parchment) LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ISAAC ROURKE I, Isaac Rourke, being of sound and disposing mind, do hereby make, publish and declare the following to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all previous will and codicils made by me. I declare that I am married to Mary, to which I have referred to herin as my "spouse", and that I have one child, Corey, now living. I have four deceased children - two sons and two daughters. Their names were Elijah, Horatio, Florence, and Phoebe. All references to "my children" in this will include all of the above-named children and also any hereafter born or adopted by me. I My spouse and I are executing wills at approximately the same time in which each is the primary beneficiary of the other. These wills are not being made because of any contractual agreement between us, and neither will may at any time be revoked by either maker at the sole discretion thereof. II I appoint my spouse as personal representative of my will. If unable or unwilling to act, or to continue to act, as executor of my will, I then appoint my brother Jacob as personal representative of my will. No bond or other security of any kind shall be required of any personal representative appointed in this will. My personal representative, whether original, substitute or successor, shall hereafter also be referred to as my "executor". III I direct that my executor pay all of my funeral expenses, all estate, inheritance and succession taxes, administration costs and all of my debts subject to statute of limitations, except mortgage notes secured by real estate, as soon as practical. IV I give, devise and bequeath all of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of whatever kind and character, and wherever located, to my spouse, provided that my spouse survives me. I make no provision for my children, knowing that, as their parent, my spouse will continue to be mindful of their needs and requirements. V If my spouse does not survive, then I give, devise and bequeath all of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of whatever kind and character, and wherever located, to Corey per stripes, and I direct that the share of any child of mine who shall have died leaving no issue shall be divided among my surviving children in equal shares per stripes. VI My executor shall have the following additional powers with respect to my estate, to be exercised from time to time at my executor's discretion without further license or order of any court: Business Interest To sell or otherwise liquidate, or to continue to operate my executor's discretion, any corporation, partnership or other business interest received by my estate. Property Of My Estate To retain any and all property and securities of my estate in the name of my executor as executor or in my executor's own name. Retention Of Assets To retain all property and securities of my estate for as long as my executor deems advisable. Management Of Estate To invest, lease, rent, mortgage, insure, repair, improve or sell any and all real and personal property belonging to my estate as my executor deems advisable. Mortgages, Pledges And Deeds Of Trust To enforce any and all mortgages, pledges and deeds of trust held by my estate and to purchase at any sale thereunder any such real or personal property subject to any mortgage, pledge or deed of trust. Litigation To initiate or defend, at my executor's discretion, any litigation affecting my estate. Attorneys, Advisors And Agents To employ and to pay from my esate reasonable compensation to such attorneys, accountants, brokers, and investment, tax and other advisors as my executor shall deem advisable. Adjustment Of Claims To submit to arbitration, to compromise or to release or otherwise adjust, with or without compensation, any and all claims affecting the trust estate. Distribution Of My Estate In distributing my estate, to make said distribution wholly or partly in kind by transferring or allotting such real or personal property or undivided interest therein. VII If any person, whether or not related to me by blood or in any way, shall attempt, either directly or indirectly, to set aside the probate of my will or oppose any of the provisions hereof, and such person shall establish a right to any portion of my estate, then I give and bequeath the sum of one dollar ($1.00), only that, and no further interest whatever in my estate to such person. VIII In the event that any of my property, or all of it, at the time of my death is community property under the laws of any jurisdiction, then my will shall be construed as referring only to my community-property interest therein. IX If any portion of my will shall be held illegal, invalid or otherwise inoperative, it is my intention that all of the other provisions hereof shall continue to be fully effective and operative insofar as is possible and reasonable. The Last Will and Testament is then signed and dated by Isaac Rourke with the signatures of two witnesses: Mary Rourke and Jacob Rourke. At the bottom of the page, below Mary's and Jacob's signatures there is what appears to be an amendment in ink different from the rest of the document. It reads: "Let it be known that on this day I am declaring the above Last Will and Testament null and void. The entirety of my estate I give and bequeath to my only surviving child, Corey. And I do this on one condition: Corey is to gather together a very specific set of objects in preparation for a wonderful journey that will bring not only exciting adventure and inconceivable wealth, but also answers pertaining to what I have done and why I have done it. I am leaving a list of the required items under the welcome mat at the front door. Corey, gather together these items and make your way with them to the centre of the topiary garden. There you will discov..." The handwriting ends abruptly there. The author was unable to sign or date the amendment, but the writing looks identical to that in the main body of the letter. Ø lift the door mat You kneel down and lift a corner of the welcome mat. Underneath it you find a small piece of paper. You pick it up and notice that it appears to be a list of some kind. A cold rush of wind blows across the front porch from west to east chilling you to the bone. Ø read the list It appears to be a hand written list containing the following items: A strong knife A sturdy rope A lantern A canteen (with water from the well) A box of at matches (at least 4) A small shovel A pocket watch A pair of binoculars A helmet and headlamp A pair of hiking boots A raincoat A map of the caves A rucksack A tent A whistle An axe An air mattress An air pump Ø put the list in the mailbox You put the piece of paper inside the mailbox. Ø put the parchment in the mailbox You put the parchment inside the mailbox. Ø put the envelope in the mailbox You put the large manila envelope inside the mailbox. Ø unlock door (using the key) The front door is now unlocked. Ø open it (the front door) The front door is now open. Ø n With trepidation you slowly walk through the front door and into the vestibule. The floor boards creak under your feet and the acrid stench of death rises with the dust that has lain undisturbed for who knows how long. You survey your surroundings trying to get your bearings. It is quite dark in here as most of the windows have been boarded up and those that aren't have had their shutters nailed shut from the outside. However, after several restive moments your eyes sufficiently adjust to the minimal light. Just as you feel yourself beginning to calm the door slams shut behind you and a wicked laugh reverberates throughout the house. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. The butler approaches you from the parlor to the north. "Oh good, Corey, I am glad to see you found the key all right," he says in an almost quizzical manner. "The master made it clear in his will that I would know it was you because you would know where the key was hidden." The old man turns his back to you muttering under his breath, walking deeper into the foyer as he does. You stand still not knowing exactly what you should do. You decide to follow him, but just as you begin to move he stops and turns back to face you. "It sure has been miserable weather lately," the butler quips. "The incessant rain has made travel very difficult. I am surprised that you made it at all. I have it on good authority that the bridge on the road into town has been washed out." Again, you are curious to know how he knows this. For a moment you consider asking him but decide to let the matter rest. For now. "Evening will be upon us soon," says the butler. "I don't suppose I could ask you to do an old man a favour? This old house gets quite chilly at night, especially with the season. Think you could find some time while you are here to start a fire in the hearth to ward off the cold? I would really appreciate that." With that the house servant goes back to his duties. Ø open door You grasp the doorknob and pull only to find that the door has somehow been sealed shut. You will have to find another way out of the house. Ø open window You reach up above the door, turn the handle and push the window open. The early evening tranquillity is broken by the sound of distant church bells signalling five o'clock. Ø x armoire The Queen Anne design of this elaborate wardrobe features solid oak construction with a cherry veneer finish, brass hardware, and curved leg styling. You get the uneasy feeling that you are being watched. Without turning your head you fix your eyes up and to left toward the small window above the door and for a fleeting moment catch the movement of...something...a shadow. You quickly turn to get a better look but whatever was there is now gone. Ø open it (the resplendent armoire) You open the resplendent armoire. A rugged rucksack is inside the resplendent armoire. The butler exits to the north. Ø get rucksack You take the rugged rucksack from the resplendent armoire. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø n You follow the path north along the side of the house. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø n You move north towards the fountain. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø ne You move northeast onto a small footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø se You follow the path southeast towards the carriage house. In Front Of The Carriage House You are standing in front of a simple wooden structure with a thatch roof. Years of neglect have wasted away what at one time must have been an impressive, functional stable. The front of the building is open to the elements as the areas that used to support a door and a window lay bare. Moss clings to the rotted wood in dense clumps. Behind the stable is a grove of cherry trees from which a small brook flows from the northeast along the side of the building and down the slope of the land to the front yard where the orchard is. On the other side of the creek you can see a long hedge that extends most of the way across the property from north to south. You can enter the carriage house by going north. Ø n With caution you make your way north into the carriage house. In The Carriage House Once used to house a horse and buggy, this small carriage house has seen years of neglect. In the northwest corner is a small stall where a horse was once kept. Though abandoned now, dirt and old hay cover the floor there. There is a hole in the wall, looking out toward a grove of cherry trees, where a small window used to be. Next to the vacant window is a hook where the tack would be kept. Oil stains on the concrete floor suggest that at one time an automobile was parked here. Part of the front yard and orchard are visible to the south. Ø x hook There is nothing out of the ordinary with respect to the hook. A sturdy rope is on the hook. Ø get rope You take the sturdy rope from the hook. Ø s You move south. In Front Of The Carriage House You are standing in front of a simple wooden structure with a thatch roof. Years of neglect have wasted away what at one time must have been an impressive, functional stable. The front of the building is open to the elements as the areas that used to support a door and a window lay bare. Moss clings to the rotted wood in dense clumps. Behind the stable is a grove of cherry trees from which a small brook flows from the northeast along the side of the building and down the slope of the land to the front yard where the orchard is. On the other side of the creek you can see a long hedge that extends most of the way across the property from north to south. You can enter the carriage house by going north. Ø nw You make your way northwest along the narrow footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø s You follow the brick path south and onto a cobble stone foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge You are standing on an arched cobblestone footbridge that spans a small creek flowing through the property. The stream itself flows from the northeast to the southwest down the gentle slope of the land. You can see the full splendor of a magnificent Victorian home to the north while across the stream you can see the front lawn and orchard. The brick walkway continues on to the southeast. Ø se You move southeast. On A Brick Walkway You are on the brick walkway that connects the various areas of the property. A small footbridge that spans a small creek is to the northwest and the gate to the orchard is to the south. The path also continues to the southeast along the hedges and leads out to the road. Ø s You move south along the walkway to the orchard entrance. At The Orchard Entrance You have come to the entranceway to the orchard that is guarded by an improvidently decorated rose arbor and gate. The gate itself is of double door design with a scooped top edge and hangs from square posts that support an overhead arbor. Through the gate to the south you can see the orchard while the main path lies to the north. An impressive Victorian style home, betwixt beautiful gardens and greenery, dominates the view to the north. A very large maple tree guards the orchard entrance. Also here is a large stone. Ø climb tree You are going to have to find a way to get to that first branch. Ø tie rope to branch You throw one end of the rope up and over the lowest hanging branch and form a crude slip knot allowing you to secure the rope to the tree. Ø climb rope Up you go. In The Maple Tree You are standing on a large branch in the maple tree about twelve feet off the ground. From this vantage point you have a decent view of the house to the north and the surrounding property. In the distance to the northeast you can see what appears to be a large hedge maze. The size of the branches in this huge tree allow you to climb even farther up to get a better view. Ø u You move up. In The Maple Tree You have climbed as far up the maple tree as is possible without risking breaking one of the thinner branches. From this height, however, you are afforded a wonderful view of the entire property. A large hedge maze is visible to the northeast. A small stream carves its way through the maze and across the yard in front of the house. A terraced garden borders the western side of the home. Below you is a large orchard that separates the house from the main road to the south. Ø d You grab a hold of the massive maple in an effort to sturdy yourself before climbing down to the lower branches. As you do so you notice that there is a sturdy knife protruding from the center of a large heart that has been carved into the tree trunk. You grab the knife firmly by the handle and pull it free, then drop it to the ground allowing you to use both hands to climb down the tree. In The Maple Tree You are standing on a large branch in the maple tree about twelve feet off the ground. From this vantage point you have a decent view of the house to the north and the surrounding property. In the distance to the northeast you can see what appears to be a large hedge maze. The size of the branches in this huge tree allow you to climb even farther up to get a better view. Ø d With intrepid fortitude you swing yourself down from the branch and grasp the rope with your legs as you slide down to the ground. At The Orchard Entrance You have come to the entranceway to the orchard that is guarded by an improvidently decorated rose arbor and gate. The gate itself is of double door design with a scooped top edge and hangs from square posts that support an overhead arbor. Through the gate to the south you can see the orchard while the main path lies to the north. An impressive Victorian style home, betwixt beautiful gardens and greenery, dominates the view to the north. A very large maple tree guards the orchard entrance. A sturdy Jute rope hangs down from one of the thick branches of the maple tree. Also here is a large stone, a strong knife and a small stick. Ø untie rope You untie the rope from the large maple tree. Ø get knife You take the strong knife. Ø get stick You take the small stick. Ø get stone You take the large stone. Ø x gate This wrought iron gate with pewter rose castings has a textured powder coat finish. The gate stands about seven feet high and two-and-half feet wide. Its double door design adds an air of majesty to its presence. Ø open it (the rose arbor) The rose arbor gate is locked. Ø unlock it (the rose arbor) The rose arbor gate is now unlocked. The lonely cry of a wolf in the distance catches your attention. Though the cloud cover overhead is still quite thick, it does appear that the weather may finally be breaking. Ø open it (the rose arbor) You open the rose arbor gate. Ø s You pass through the gate into the orchard. In The Orchard Row after row of meticulously spaced apple trees make up the orchard that covers much of the front yard. Despite the season, many leaves still remain on the trees; vibrant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows cascade over the landscape. All of the apples have been harvested so no fruit remains, but the ground is littered with the rotten remains of those that were not suitable for consumption - the pungent aroma fills the air. The lush lawn here in the orchard is long and thick. Through the trees you can see a Victorian style home in the distance to the north. Set up in the grass, about forty feet away, is what appears to be a small pup tent. Also here is a Victorian bulldog. With the sky almost completely black now, six o'clock in the evening is sounded by the faroff church bells. Ø x tent It is simply a sheet of canvas with a wooden rod sewn across it in the middle. When set up it is just a wedge-shaped cover with no floor, windows, or openings. It would provide minimal but adequate shelter from the elements if required. The pup tent is set up on the ground. Ø get it (the pup tent) You try to approach the tent but the bulldog intervenes. He barks at you loudly, showing his teeth and salivating excessively as he does so. You slowly back off maintaining eye contact with the animal. This seems to calm the dog down a bit. But every time you make a move towards the tent the dog defends it with enthusiasm. If only there were a way to divert its attention for a moment. Ø throw stick You wave the stick in front of the dog to get his attention then throw it as far as you can away from the direction of the tent. The dog takes off in a flash. It won't take him long to retrieve the stick, but, if you hurry you should have enough time to grab that tent. Ø get tent With the dog momentarily distracted you only have a few seconds with which to work. You quickly grab the tent and fold it up so it can be carried easily. The dog notices you and looks back and growls fiercely. Fearing he may charge you, you take a few cautious steps backwards. The dog seems to realize that he has been outwitted and turns and trots off toward the house. Ø n You move north. At The Orchard Entrance You have come to the entranceway to the orchard that is guarded by an improvidently decorated rose arbor and gate. The gate itself is of double door design with a scooped top edge and hangs from square posts that support an overhead arbor. Through the gate to the south you can see the orchard while the main path lies to the north. An impressive Victorian style home, betwixt beautiful gardens and greenery, dominates the view to the north. A very large maple tree guards the orchard entrance. Ø n You travel north onto a brick walkway. On A Brick Walkway You are on the brick walkway that connects the various areas of the property. A small footbridge that spans a small creek is to the northwest and the gate to the orchard is to the south. The path also continues to the southeast along the hedges and leads out to the road. Ø nw You follow the path northwest onto a cobblestone foot bridge in front of the house. On A Small Foot Bridge You are standing on an arched cobblestone footbridge that spans a small creek flowing through the property. The stream itself flows from the northeast to the southwest down the gentle slope of the land. You can see the full splendor of a magnificent Victorian home to the north while across the stream you can see the front lawn and orchard. The brick walkway continues on to the southeast. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. The baying of wolves in the surrounding hills heightens your sense of trepidation. Clear sky can be seen through the occasional break in the thick cloud cover. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Ø read sign The sign reads: In Loving Memory of Mary Rourke. 1861-1891. May she rest in peace. At the bottom of the sign, in smaller letters is the following messgae: Beware. Solving this hedge maze may take several hours. Enter at your own risk. The howling of wolves in the nearby forest increases your sense of worry. The dark clouds that so predominantly covered the sky earlier have thinned considerably allowing for a mostly clear sky. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a sturdy rope, a large stone, a strong knife, a rugged rucksack and the pup tent. Ø drop rucksack You drop the rugged rucksack. Ø drop tent You drop the pup tent. Ø drop knife You drop the strong knife. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. A lone wolf howling in the distance draws your attention. The sky is mainly clear now, though the occasional dark bank of clouds lingers. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø n You climb the stairs of the porch to the front door of the house. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø climb in You climb through the window to the vestibule. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø n Moving north, you pass through the foyer and into the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler is here. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Also here is an empty wooden canteen. Ø get canteen You take the empty wooden canteen. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Distant church bells announce that it is seven o'clock in the evening. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø w You follow the path west along the front of the house. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. Ø w You travel west following the veranda along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. Ø nw You round the corner to the northwest following the brick path along the terrace. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø n You follow the path north along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø n You move north following the terrace towards the back yard. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø n You move north onto a small footpath that leads through the backyard. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. Ø ne You follow the footpath to the northwest and into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. Also here is a small shovel. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø w You duck into the woodshed to the west. In The Woodshed You have ducked into a simple wood storage shed made from four posts and a sloped roof. There is about a cord of wood here in a stack measuring about four feet wide by four feet high by eight feet long. On the ground beside the pile of wood there is an old wooden box. A large stump protrudes from the earth beside the box. Also here is a large bucket. Ø get bucket You take the large bucket. Ø e You move east from the woodshed into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. Also here is a small shovel. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø sw You move southwest following the footpath along the terrace on the side of the house. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. Ø s You make your way south along the footpath. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø s You proceed south along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø s You follow the terrace south. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø se You proceed southwest along the brick path towards the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. Ø e You move east along the brick path. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. Ø e You move east following along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø ne You make your way up the hill towards the well. At The Well This is a convenient and practical place to have dug a well as it is close to the house, the garden, and the orchard. The well itself, hand dug, appears to be about twelve feet deep and lined with small stones to prevent it from collapsing in on itself. It has a small roof on top to help prevent detritus from collecting inside the well. A carriage house can be seen in the distance to the northeast though is not accessible in that direction. The path back to the main house is down a small hill to the southwest. A gentle breeze is blowing now, carrying the scent of the sea from the northwest. You close your eyes and inhale deeply, fully embracing the smell. All of a sudden an ice cold chill runs through your bones as you get a feeling of something brushing past you. You quickly open your eyes and see what appears to be a figure dressed all in black disappear down into the well. You stare in disbelief at what you have just witnessed, but then slowly build up the nerve to inch towards the well to investigate. Just a couple of feet from the edge of the well you begin to hear the crying on a baby. The sound stops you dead in your tracks. The sounds starts off as just a whimper, but the longer you contemplate this unlikely scenario the louder and more distressed the cry becomes. Summoning all the courage you can muster you quickly move to the edge of the well and peer into the inky blackness. Just as you do the crying stops. At the bottom of the well, about twelve feet down, you can just make out the silky surface of the jet black water - broken only by gentle concentric rings radiating outward. Did you inadvertently knock a small pebble into the well when you moved in to investigate? Or is there something far more mysterious and sinister going on? Ø x the well The hand dug cobblestone well is approximately twelve feet deep and lined with small rocks to prevent it from caving in on itself. Atop the well is a wooden shingled roof to which thick patches of moss have taken root. Ø tie rope to bucket You successfully tie the rope to the bucket. Ø open bucket You open the large bucket. Ø open canteen You open the empty wooden canteen. Ø put canteen in bucket You put the empty wooden canteen inside the large bucket. Ø put stone in bucket You put the large stone inside the large bucket. Ø close lid You close the large bucket. Ø lower bucket into well You lower the bucket down into the well and because of the weight of the rock it submerges completely under the water. You can hear the bubbling sound of the canteen filling with water. After waiting several moments you raise the bucket from the well and water rushes from the many holes emptying it in seconds. Ø open bucket You open the large bucket. A large stone and a full wooden canteen are inside the large bucket. Ø get stone You take the large stone from the large bucket. Ø get canteen You take the full wooden canteen from the large bucket. Ø close it (the full wooden canteen) You close the full wooden canteen. Ø get rope You take the sturdy rope from the large bucket. Ø drop bucket You drop the large bucket. Ø sw You make your way down the small hill and onto the brick path. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. The lonely sound of distant church bells signals eight o'clock in the evening. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a strong knife, a rugged rucksack and the pup tent. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a sturdy rope, a large stone and a full wooden canteen. Ø drop rope You drop the sturdy rope. Ø drop canteen You drop the full wooden canteen. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø n You climb the stairs of the porch to the front door of the house. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø climb in You climb through the window to the vestibule. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø n Moving north, you pass through the foyer and into the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler enters from the north. Ø w You move west through the large archway and into the north end of the main hall. As you do, you pass through what seems like a small pocket of cold air hovering about five feet of the floor. You have the eerie sensation that you are not alone. At The North End Of The Main Hall You are standing at the north end of a large room that is sparsely furnished. The large open space would have been used as a gathering place during parties and other social events. The western wall contains large bay windows that stretch from floor to ceiling - although you cannot see out of them because the shutters have been nailed closed from the outside. The walls have been wallpapered with intricate designs and a gold leaf border runs along the top of the walls all around the room near the ceiling. The hardwood parquet flooring has been polished to a brilliant shine. Through an open archway to the east you can see the main parlor while the main hall extends further south. Ø s You continue south to the far end of the main hall. As you walk you pass through what seems to be a pocket of cold air hovering just off the floor and extending up to head height. The sensation causes goose flesh on your arms and the hairs on the back of your neck to bristle up. You hear a soft, muffled whispering voice singing a familiar song yet you cannot, for the life of you, name it. The tune sticks in your mind and find yourself preoccupied with trying to remember its title. Suddenly, you feel the unmistakable feeling of a hand coming to rest on your right shoulder. It startles you and you quickly turn to see who is there. Almost expecting to find nobody you unsurprised to find yourself alone, yet are understandably concerned about the events that have been taking place. You close your eyes and count to ten, talking to yourself in a quiet mumble. Telling yourself over and over again that it isn't real...it isn't real. But it is no use. You mind becomes flooded with disgusting and vile images. In your mind's eye you can see a woman being forcibly raped. Her screams fill your heart with dread for her as the unseen assailant performs his dastardly deed. You can see flashes of what looks like a teenage girl hanging from a tree, slowly twisting in the wind. Her once delicate features made grotesque through the processes of death. You close your eyes tighter and clench your teeth in a futile attempt to push the visions out of your mind but to no avail. You see a human figure fully ablaze running around in circles, limbs flailing in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames. Though you know that it is simply a chimera you feel a strong urge to help. You can only watch as the fire finally wins the battle and the form falls to the ground only to be completely consumed. And then, mercifully, all in your mind is black. Your breathe has grown heavy and heart is racing; a bead of sweat has formed on your brow. Half fearing what you may see, you reluctantly open one eye...and then the other. You look around to reacquaint yourself with your surroundings. Relieved that you are alone you sigh a deep sigh and roll your head from side to side trying to regain your composure. At The South End Of The Main Hall This is the south end of the main hall - a large room that would have been used as a gathering place during social events. The western and southern walls contain large bay windows that stretch from floor to ceiling - although you cannot see out of them because the shutters have been nailed closed from the outside. Intricate designs on the wallpaper and a gold leaf border running along the top of the walls all around the room near the ceiling are featured prominently here. The hardwood parquet flooring has been polished to a brilliant shine. Also here is a box of matches. Ø get matches You take the box of matches. Ø n You follow the main hall to the north. At The North End Of The Main Hall You are standing at the north end of a large room that is sparsely furnished. The large open space would have been used as a gathering place during parties and other social events. The western wall contains large bay windows that stretch from floor to ceiling - although you cannot see out of them because the shutters have been nailed closed from the outside. The walls have been wallpapered with intricate designs and a gold leaf border runs along the top of the walls all around the room near the ceiling. The hardwood parquet flooring has been polished to a brilliant shine. Through an open archway to the east you can see the main parlor while the main hall extends further south. Ø e You pass through the open archway to the east leading to the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler is here. The butler exits to the west. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø w You make your way into the kitchen to the west. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø in You move in. In The Scullery This is the main pantry used to store a variety of dry goods, utensils, and linens. Terracotta tiles cover the floor while the walls have been painted a pale blue tone. While a traditional scullery would also be used to wash dishes, with the advent of free running water this room has been designated as a storage room. Measuring a mere nine square feet there is really only enough room to enter and turn around while inspecting the contents of the shelves. Ø x shelf The shelves here are covered with a wide variety of items from cleaning supplies to various utensils to knick knacks and odds and ends. Almost none of it seems like it would be of much use to you. A copper lantern is on the shelves. Ø get lamp You take the copper lantern from the shelves. Ø out You move out. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø w You follow the path west along the front of the house. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. The still of the night is interrupted momentarily as the church bells in the distance announce nine o'clock. Ø w You travel west following the veranda along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. Ø nw You round the corner to the northwest following the brick path along the terrace. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø n You follow the path north along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø n You move north following the terrace towards the back yard. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø x brush The dense foliage fills the area beneath the veranda and runs almost the entire length of the western wall of the house. Pushing the bush aside you notice a small door laying flat on the ground that could possibly be an entranceway to a basement or cellar of some kind. Ø open cellar door You can't open the cellar door as it is locked with a padlock. Ø unlock it (the cellar door) You can't unlock the cellar door. Ø n You move north onto a small footpath that leads through the backyard. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. Ø ne You follow the footpath to the northwest and into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. Also here is a small shovel. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø w You duck into the woodshed to the west. In The Woodshed You have ducked into a simple wood storage shed made from four posts and a sloped roof. There is about a cord of wood here in a stack measuring about four feet wide by four feet high by eight feet long. On the ground beside the pile of wood there is an old wooden box. A large stump protrudes from the earth beside the box. Ø get axe You grasp the handle of the axe with both hands and pull as hard as you can. Try as you might you unable to dislodge the tool. Ø hit axe with rock With both hands you raise the large stone overhead. In one swift motion you bring the rock down and hit the handle of the axe squarely dislodging it from the stump. The splitting maul is now lying on top of the stump. Ø drop rock You drop the large stone. Ø get axe You take the splitting maul from the large stump. Ø get wood You reach over to the top of the stack and grab a piece of the thick solid fire wood. Ø put wood on stump You place the piece of wood on the stump. Ø chop wood with axe You place the piece of Douglas fir on the stump, raise the maul above your head and with one swift motion bring it down squarely on the intended target sending split wood flying in opposite directions. The dry wood split much easier than you anticipated. You gather the pieces and continue to chop them into smaller and smaller pieces until you have a sufficient amount of kindling to start a nice little fire. There is some freshly cut kindling lying on the ground. Ø get kindling You take the kindling. Ø e You move east from the woodshed into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. Also here is a small shovel. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø get shovel You take the small shovel. Ø sw You move southwest following the footpath along the terrace on the side of the house. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. Ø s You make your way south along the footpath. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø break lock with axe You smash the padlock with the axe and it falls off the door in pieces. You can hear an owl hooting in the woods surrounding the property. Ø open cellar door You pull the old weathered cellar door open and it moans with age. A damp, musty smell rises from the darkness of the basement. A small set of stairs leads down into the cellar. Ø turn on lamp You use one of the matches to light the old copper lantern. The wax candle in the old lantern looks new, but it will eventually burn itself out. It is probably best to only use the lamp when absolutely necessary. Ø d You move down. In The Cellar You are in the cellar. The damp odor of mold and mildew fill the air. You now have enough light to see adquately. It is cool and damp in here and these conditions may be adding to the considerable unease you feel. In daily use this basement would have been used as a laundry room. Clothes and linens would be washed and ironed down here. The cellar was also a place where the cook could preserve fruits and vegetables in the summer time without heating the rest of the house. A small rusty woodstove sits in one corner. Its reddish hue, in the light of your lamp, along with the mess of spider webs that surround it give it an ominous appearance. The crude cement floor is sloped with the lay of the land to provide drainage. A small area of the floor appears to have been broken up and the moist dirt of the ground below it has been exposed. Ø dig ground You put the lantern down so you can work with both hands, move to the area in the floor where the concrete has been broken up, and drive the shovel deep into the ground using your foot to get extra penetration. As you do, the steel blade strikes something hard that feels like a large rock. You drop the shovel, drop to your knees, and begin moving the earth with your hands. Before long you have uncovered what looks like a key of some kind key carved from sandstone. Having finished with the shovel you retrieve the old copper lantern. Ø get shovel You take the small shovel. Ø x stove The small pot belly woodstove sits on an iron base with four tapered legs. The stove has obviously not been used in quite some time as it has accumulated a significant layer of rust. There is a small door with a single hinge on the front of the stove. Ø open it (the rusty woodstove) You open the rusty woodstove. Ø x it (the rusty woodstove) You feel around inside the cavity of the old woodstove. Surprisingly, there is still ash and charcoal inside. As you sift the ashes with your fingers you notice a solid, metallic feeling object. You pull it out and blow on it to remove the layer of soot and discover that it appears to be an old whistle. Ø u You move up. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø turn off lamp The lamp has been extinguished. Ø s You proceed south along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø s You follow the terrace south. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø se You proceed southwest along the brick path towards the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. The call of a Great Horned owl rings out from the surrounding hills. Ø e You move east along the brick path. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. Ø e You move east following along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Church bells in the distance announce the arrival of ten o'clock at night. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. You can hear the faint hooting call of a lone owl somewhere in the forest that surrounds the property. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a sturdy rope, a full wooden canteen, a strong knife, a rugged rucksack and the pup tent. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, the splitting maul, the stone key, a copper lantern, a small shovel, a box of matches, the kindling and a bosun's whistle. Ø drop whistle You drop the bosun's whistle. Ø drop axe You drop the splitting maul. Ø drop shovel You drop the small shovel. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø n You follow the path north along the side of the house. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø n You move north towards the fountain. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø ne You move northeast onto a small footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø n You move north into the grove of cherry trees. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø n You move north. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø x the mausoleum The mausoleum is built of granite. The first face course consists of four pieces running the entire width of the mausoleum and forming the floor of the interior. The courses are 9-feet, 8-inches wide and 13-feet, 8 inches long and one foot thick. The columns are cut in one piece of Barre granite. The roof stone is in one piece. The letters "IR" have been carved, in Old English letters, in the front of the roof. The door is of granite and the gate outside it of tarnished bronze. The foundation is of concrete and five feet deep and rests on bedrock. The granite door can only be opened with a special stone key. Ø open gate The bronze gate is locked. Ø unlock it (the tarnished bronze gate) (using the key) You insert the key into the rusty padlock and turn it a few times to loosen the rust. At first the key just turns a little bit in each direction, but with subsequent attempts it begins to turn with more freedom. At last the padlock opens up but the bolt has broken rendering the padlock useless now. Ø drop lock You drop the broken padlock. Ø open gate The rusted chain is still on the gate blocking access. Ø get chains You remove the iron chain from the gate and drop it to the ground. Ø open gate The gate swings open on its creaky hinges. Ø open granite door With considerable effort you manage to insert the stone key into the opening in the door. You hear a loud thud and the sound of rock sliding against rock as the large granite door swings open. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a copper lantern, a box of matches and the kindling. Ø s You move south. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. As the night marches on, eleven gongs of the distant church bells sound out. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø n You climb the stairs of the porch to the front door of the house. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø climb in You climb through the window to the vestibule. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø n Moving north, you pass through the foyer and into the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø x the photographs The miniature picture frames are designed to hold five-by-three inch photographs. There are many such frames in the room all holding black and white portraits. The photographs on the plush covered table are of people who must be related due to the uncanny likeness they all share. In fact, there is one picture of a set of twin boys who are somewhere in their early teens. Judging from what you read in Isaac's Last Will and Testament, these are probably his children. Intrigued, and searching for answers, you begin examining each photo more closely. Picking them up and inspecting the back you learn that there are four individuals pictured here. There is Phoebe who must be the oldest of the children. The earliest picture of her, when she was about four years old, is dated March 1894. Next born must have been the twin boys, Elijah and Horatio. They are always pictured together and dressed the same in every image. The earliest picture of the boys is dated November 1892. They are just toddlers. The youngest child is Florence. She has the most pictures on display. So many, in fact, that one would would think she was the favourite. The earliest picture of her, as an infant, is dated January 1891. Ø x the fireplace The fireplace is surrounded by beautiful black marble and encased by a richly carved decorative mantle. Inside the fireplace is an iron fire grate on which to place wood for a fire. Ø x the mantle This decorative mantle is the centrepiece of the room with its richly carved abstract designs. Draped over the mantle is an embroidered lambrequins. An exquisite clock and a crystal ball are on the mantle. Ø x the mirror You look into the mirror and are presented with your own normal reflection. As you look away, out of the corner of your eye, you catch the reflection of your own decapitated head floating in limbo in the mirror. You quickly turn back but are again presented with your familiar image. Ø get the crystal ball You take the crystal ball from the mantle. Ø put kindling on grate You carefully arrange the kindling on the iron fire grate. Ø start fire You really should open the flue first or you are going to fill the house with smoke. Ø open flue You open the flue. Ø light fire You strike one of the matches and hold it against the kindling, moving it around lighting the wood at strategic points to ensure the fire starts evenly. Within a few minutes the stack of kindling is burning nicely in the fireplace, casting a nice glow and throwing some welcome heat. Flames lick up the flue dancing their evil dance as they consume the wood that is their offering. Within only a few minutes a comfortable fire is burning in the fireplace. The butler enters the parlor with a smile on his face and rubbing his hands together. "Ah, thank you so much Corey for getting a fire going," he says. "Good looking fire too. The weather still doesn't seem to be getting much better out there does it?" He slowly kneels down in front of the fireplace putting his hands up in front of him palms to the fire. "Looks like you got a little wet out there. I apologize for my lack of courtesy; I should have given you a mac knowing that you would be outside in the elements," says the old man. He gets up and leaves the room for a moment heading toward the foyer. You hear the rusty hinges of the armoire creaking as it is opened and then closed. He returns carrying a yellow raincoat. "Please, Corey, accept this gift from me," he begs. "It was once the master's but he won't be needing it anymore." He smiles a sly smile, "besides, he would have wanted you to have it." With that you thank the servant and accept the raincoat. He nods to you and goes about his business. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø x sideboard This glorious sideboard is the centrepiece of the room. Made from Mahogany with inlaid satinwood and tulip-wood, the hutch consists of two large cupboards flanking a single large drawer in the middle. The legs are tapered and reeded with inlays of rosewood. The lower shelves are typically used for displaying and showing off the family's good chinaware and crystal. The butler enters the room walking quickly and talking to you at the same time. "Oh good, I'm so glad to see you here Corey. I was wondering if sometime you might be able to give me some help with some of the master's things?", he asks in an instructional kind of way. "You see, I must begin the arduous task of packing up his most valuable possessions and dealing with them according to the last will and testament. When you find the time I could really use some help moving the fine china and crystal ware to a safer place. No hurry really, just whenever you find a few moments." The raised pitch in his voice tells suggest that he may be being just a little bit cynical. Ø get china The set of fragile chinaware is very big and cumbersome. As you begin picking up the pieces the Butler quickly walks over to you and says, "Please, Corey, let me help you with that." He retrieves a large storage trunk from the corner of the room and helps you place the set of chinaware inside the trunk. Considering the value of these items, perhaps carrying them around is not a very good idea. Ø get crystal The crystalware is very expensive and in many fragile pieces. As you begin picking up the pieces the Butler quickly walks over to you and says, "Please, Corey, let me help you with that." He retrieves a large storage trunk from the corner of the room and helps you place the set of chinaware inside the trunk. Considering the value of these items, perhaps carrying them around is not a very good idea. Clearly frustrated, the butler thanks you for your help. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Corey, I cannot stress enough how careful you must be with the master's possessions," he said. He leans in close to you and whispers, "He spent his entire lifetime working to obtain the few priceless objects he has managed to acquire. Just because he is dead does not mean they are any less valuable." The butler backs away from you and goes about his business almost as if nothing had happened. You turn to leave the room but as you do he stops you. "Oh, Corey. I do have something here that you might find interesting." He reaches inside his coat breast pocket and pulls out a rolled up piece of paper. "The master was very fond of spelunking as it were. North of here, in the forest, is a set of caves that he used to fancy exploring in his free time. He made a map of them, I have it here. Perhaps you might want to explore them for yourself," he says tilting his head down and looking up at you in a sort of evil looking way. He holds the map out to you and you hesitantly accept it. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Flames from the fireplace cast long shadows across the darkened parlor. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a copper lantern, a box of matches, a crystal ball, the map of the caves and a raincoat. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø n You follow the path north along the side of the house. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø n You move north towards the fountain. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø ne You move northeast onto a small footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø n You move north into the grove of cherry trees. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø n You move north. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø in You move in. Inside The Mausoleum Despite the fact that the air inside the burial vault has laid stagnant for decades, the odour of death that should be present is disturbingly absent. The lavish decore originally put into the design remains intact as if it were completed only yesterday. The beauty of this mausoleum is not so much the impressive nature of the structure itself, but the decorations and hand carved statues that adorn its interior. The inner walls are lined with an astonishing assortment of life-sized sculptures of people and animals, all gloriously painted in mesmeric fashion. In the centre of the grotto is a series of three steps, rising up in a pyramid, upon which a sarcophagus of white alabaster rests. Ø x sarcophagus The white alabaster sarcophagus measures about eight feet long by three feet wide and three feet deep. It is intricately carved with complex floral and geometric patterns. The stone funerary box itself is resting on a pyramid of granite blocks designed to hold its immense weight. Atop the sarcophagus is a massive trapezoidal stone lid carved in as much painstaking detail as the crate itself. Ø x lid The massive lid of the sarcophagus is in the shape of a three dimensional trapezoid and resembles a peaked roof. At each end of the stone covering is an angelic simulacrum. In the centre of the sarcophagus cap is a small spherical opening about six inches in diameter. Ø out You move out. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. You pause for a moment as the eerie sound of distant church bells announce the arrival of midnight. It is now the next day. Ø s You move south. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a sturdy rope, the splitting maul, a full wooden canteen, a strong knife, a small shovel, a rugged rucksack, the pup tent and a bosun's whistle. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a copper lantern, a box of matches, a crystal ball, the map of the caves and a raincoat. Ø drop map You drop the map of the caves. Ø drop raincoat You drop the raincoat. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø n You climb the stairs of the porch to the front door of the house. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø climb in You climb through the window to the vestibule. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø n Moving north, you pass through the foyer and into the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler is here. Flames from the fireplace cast long shadows across the darkened parlor. The butler exits to the north. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. The butler is here. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø w You make your way into the kitchen to the west. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. The butler is here. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø in You move in. In The Broom Closet This broom closet would have been both a food storage centre as well as a place to store the cleaning supplies, however the shelves are now barren save for a thick layer of dust and the odd cobweb. This small area is very useful in a home without refrigerators, freezers, or kitchen cabinets. Ø x dust It looks as though this small pantry has not been used in years judging by the thick layer of dust that has accumulated on the shelves. You lean into the shelves to get a better view and, as you do so, you bump into a small foot stool stashed away beneath the shelf. Scrawled into the years old layer of dust are the words: I'm in the attic. Ø get stool You take the foot stool. Ø out You move out. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. The single ring of a distant church bell pierces the night signalling one o'clock in the morning. Ø w You make your way into the kitchen to the west. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. The butler is here. The butler exits to above. Ø u You climb the stairs to the second floor. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. The butler is here. Ø drop stool You drop the foot stool. Ø n You move north. In The Bathroom Considered a luxury in most early Victorian era homes, this bathroom is a modern convenience. In one corner is a cast iron tub with shower enclosure and beside that is a free standing sink with hot and cold running water. On the other side of the small water closet is an elaborately decorated toilet and matching bidet. All of the fixtures are enclosed with ornate wood wainscoting. The colourful floor is composed of three-quarter inch encaustic tile. Ø rub crystal ball You rub your hands over the globe and instantly the clear glass takes on a smoky appearance. When the smoke clears a scene in miniature is played out inside the crsytal ball. An older woman is lying in the bath tub completely nude. Candles burn on stands next to the bath. She has a cloth over her face and appears to be in a deep state of relaxation. Suddenly a man appears in the room and silently moves towards the edge of the tub. He stand motionless for a few moments just looking down on her. Then something attracts the woman's attention as she reaches up and removes the wash cloth from her face. She looks and briefly smiles but slowly the smile fades and a look of horror washes over her face. Before she has a chance to react the man grabs her by the throat and plunges her head beneath the surface of the water. She struggles mightily but she is no match for his strength. Her arms and legs flail about sending water splashing all over the room, but the struggle does not last for long. In just a few minutes the commotion ends and the man releases his grip from her neck. She floats in the tub, her eyes and mouth open in a terrifying death gaze. The man slowly fades from view in a swirl of smoke and the vision in the crystal ball ends. You remain transfixed for a moment staring in disbelief into the crystal ball believing you have just witnessed a murder. A wave of fear washes over you before you come to your senses and realize that what you have just seen was only a vision in a crystal ball. And yet, it somehow seemed so real. Ø s You move south. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. Ø nw You move northwest. In A Girl's Bedroom This room, painted in soft pastel colours, was obviously intended for a young girl. There is an entire set of cottage furniture hand painted and stenciled in a floral motif - chest of drawers and two end tables; one on either side of the bed. The bed itself is a sleigh bed resembling a horse-drawn sleigh. A small open closet in the southwest corner consists of shelves, from floor to ceiling, upon which a dazzling array of dolls have been put on display. Up against the eastern wall is a large doll house. The hallway is visible to the southeast. The butler is here. Ø rub crystal ball You rub your hands over the globe and instantly the clear glass takes on a smoky appearance. When the smoke clears a scene in miniature is played out inside the crsytal ball. A young girl is sitting on her knees, playing with her dolls in the dollhouse. She carefully aranges the dolls paying particular attention to two figures on the upper floor. When she is satisfied she gets up, walks to her closet, retrieves a pair of binoculars from the shelf, and returns to her initial position in front of the dollhouse. She raises the binoculars to her eyes and looks inside the dollhouse. The vision in the crystal ball changes to reflect what she sees. It is dark inside but not so dark that all that can be seen is silhouette. The dolls seem to be alive, or at least lifelike, moving in jagged movements as if with unseen hands. One doll, a female, represents a young woman of around twenty-one years of age. She is lying down in bed with the covers pulled up to her chin and a look of terror in her eyes. At the door is another doll, this one a male. He is holding a large knife in one hand and pointing at the woman with the other. His lips are pursed in anger. Where his eyes should be there are only empty holes. He raises the knife over his head and the woman in bed dives beneath the covers in a childish attempt to find safety. You watch in horror as the man plunges the knife into the body beneath the sheets over and over again, turning the white linens red with blood. Next you see the young girl lower the binoculars from her face revealing a wry smile and a single tear. She gets up and returns the binoculars to the shelf and then crawls into bed pulling the sheets up to her chin. The scene in the crystal balls fades in a swirling of smoke and then the glass of the ball returns to its original pellucid state. The butler exits to the south-east. Ø x shelf There is nothing remarkable about the shelves. A pair of binoculars is on the shelf. Ø get binoculars You take the pair of binoculars from the shelf. Ø se You move southeast. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. The butler is here. The butler exits to the north-east. Ø ne You move northeast. In A Boy's Bedroom You are standing in a room that was obviously intended for a boy. The walls have been painted a vibrant sky blue and the captain's bed on the northern wall resembles a pirate ship. A small open closet in the southeastern corner contains shelves, floor to ceiling, upon which an impressive collection of tin soldiers have been put on display. The southern wall is devoted to a magnificent model train set. The hallway is visible to the southwest. The butler is here. Ø rub crystal ball You rub your hands over the globe and instantly the clear glass takes on a smoky appearance. When the smoke clears a scene in miniature is played out inside the crsytal ball. A young man is dressed for a hunting trip; simple wool suit with leggings, hiking boots, gloves, scarf, and flannel cap. He is carrying a rifle and walking alone in the forest. The weather must be cold as you can see his breathe each time he exhales. He appears to have spotted his prey and quietly takes up a position, lying prone, behind a fallen log. He rests the barrel of the rifle over the log and places his eye along the intended line of sight. His breathing slows as he prepares to take aim and fire the fatal shot. Suddenly he raises his head with a look of confusion on his face and appears to be calling out. In the distance a figure steps out from behind a tree, but it is no animal. The figure stands on two legs and is himself carrying a rifle. For a moment the figure stands motionless and then raises his own rifle to his face, pointing it directly at the man lying against the fallen tree. The prone man waves his hands in the air as if trying to get the attention of the other man but it is too late. A shot rings out in your head as a cloud of smoke bursts forth from the rifle being carried by the mysterious figure. You watch in horror as a projectile flies from the gun, in slow motion, and bores through the other man's skull leaving a small clean entry wound in the forehead and a gaping jagged hole in the back. He collpases in a pool of his own blood and the mysterious figure disappears into the forest. The scene in the crystal ball ends in a swirling cloud of smoke leaving you with a dry mouth and a sick feeling in your stomach as you try to comprehend what it is that you have just witnessed. Ø x bed Marvelous woodworking craftsmanship has gone into the making of this magnificent captain's bed. The main frame contains a large pullout drawer for storing linens. Ø x drawer The large sliding drawer extends the full length of the bed. The large pullout drawer is locked. The butler exits to the south-west. Ø unlock drawer You don't have anything to unlock the large pullout drawer with! Ø sw You move southwest. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. The butler is here. Ø d You move down. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø e You move east out of the dining room and into the library. In The Library This study is where the business of running the household would have taken place. At the centre of the room is a large, ornately decorated desk. The entire length of the eastern wall is devoted to a large and elaborate bookcase that holds leather-bound editions of reference books, dictionaries and literary classics. In the southeastern corner is a lectern upon which the family Bible is proudly displayed. In the southwestern corner is a large comfortable looking armchair. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling to provide ambient light for reading. Ø x desk This gentleman's writing desk is about six feet wide, three feet high and two-and-a-half feet deep. Constructed from solid oak the legs are spindled and intricately carved. The fascia presents five drawers; although only the large centre drawer is functional. On top of the desk is a small marble bust. The large desk is locked. Ø unlock it (the large desk) You unlock the large desk with the skeleton key. Ø open it (the large desk) You open the large desk. A brass key is inside the large desk. Ø get brass key You take the brass key from the large desk. Ø x bust Mounted on a solid sterling silver base this marble bust is remarkable in its attention to detail. You try to pick it up to determine its weight but discover that it is attached to the desk. Upon further inspection you notice a symmetrical seam that runs the full circumference of the neck of the figure; although most of it has cleverly been hidden within the folds of the robe that the bust is wearing. Ø x seam You scrutinize the seam closely and determine that the bust is not one solid piece but actually two separate pieces; the head and the upper torso. Ø push head You grasp the head of the bust and gently begin to manipulate it different directions in an attempt to see if the two pieces will come apart without damaging the work of art. You pull the head back towards you and, quite by surprise, the entire head rocks backwards on a special hinge. Almost instantaneously there is a loud banging noise followed by the sound of wood scraping against wood. In astonishment you watch as the whole bookcase on the eastern wall slides into a hidden recess in the wall, revealing a hidden trap door in the floor. Ø w You head west to the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø w You make your way into the kitchen to the west. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø u You climb the stairs to the second floor. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. Ø ne You move northeast. In A Boy's Bedroom You are standing in a room that was obviously intended for a boy. The walls have been painted a vibrant sky blue and the captain's bed on the northern wall resembles a pirate ship. A small open closet in the southeastern corner contains shelves, floor to ceiling, upon which an impressive collection of tin soldiers have been put on display. The southern wall is devoted to a magnificent model train set. The hallway is visible to the southwest. Ø unlock drawer You unlock the large pullout drawer with the brass key. Ø open it (the large pullout drawer) You open the large pullout drawer. A pair of hiking boots is inside the large pullout drawer. Ø get boots You take the pair of hiking boots from the large pullout drawer. Ø sw You move southwest. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. You hear the faraway ringing of the church bells indicating that it is two o'clock in the morning. Ø stand on stool You carefully stand on top of the foot stool and hoist yourself up into the attic. In The Attic This large, comfortable area takes up the entire top floor of the house and acts as the servant's quarters. Large louvered windows supply ample light while affording the occupants adequate privacy. One end of the spacious room appears to be dedicated to the work of a seamstress as the western wall is dominated by the presence of a large loom. Beside the loom, but against the northern wall is a large table upon which rests an elegant looking sewing machine. On the floor, next to the sewing machine, is a vintage redwood storage chest. The eastern half of the suite contains a simple double bed and wooden dresser. Beside the bed is a small night stand. Ø rub crystal ball You rub your hands over the globe and instantly the clear glass takes on a smoky appearance. When the smoke clears a scene in miniature is played out inside the crsytal ball. A young man in his late teens or early twenties is dressed in spelunker's gear and is navigating his way through a narrow rocky passageway. It is dark in the tunnel but a bright beam of light from his caving helmet illuminates the way in front of him. As he makes his way through the cavern the tunnel gradually narrows to the point where he must lie down on the ground and squeeze himself through a small opening in the rock. On the other side the cave opens up into a large underground chamber. As he continues on through the darkness he hesitates for a moment as if he has heard a noise. He looks around but the light from his headlamp does not light up a wide enough area. Just as he turns turns to continue his is hit in the chest with by a powerful blow. His eyes bulge out of their sockets and he collapses to his knees. As he looks down towards his chest you see what he sees - a large axe imbedded in his sternum. He takes a final breath and slumps to the ground in a lifeless heap. With that the scene in the crystal ball ends in a cloud of smoke leaving you mometarily in a state of shock at what you have just seen. Ø x chest Featuring routed dovetail joint construction and arching bevels in the top, this storage chest is a masterpiece. The detail in the carvings that line the perimeter of the box is astounding, and the deep redwood stain only accentuates that fact. The vintage redwood storage chest is locked. Ø unlock it (the vintage redwood storage chest) You unlock the vintage redwood storage chest with the brass key. Ø open it (the vintage redwood storage chest) You open the vintage redwood storage chest. A caving helmet and a headlamp are inside the vintage redwood storage chest. Ø get helmet You take the caving helmet from the vintage redwood storage chest. Ø get headlamp You take the headlamp from the vintage redwood storage chest. Ø put headlamp on helmet You slip the strap of the headlamp over the helmet and adjust the tension so that it fits securely. This item can now be worn and provides light and protection while leaving your hands free. Ø d With caution you gently lower yourself through the opening in the floor and onto the stool sitting in the hallway below. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. Ø d You move down. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø e You follow the path east. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø n You follow the path north along the side of the house. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø n You move north towards the fountain. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø ne You move northeast onto a small footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø n You move north into the grove of cherry trees. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø n You move north. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø in You move in. Inside The Mausoleum Despite the fact that the air inside the burial vault has laid stagnant for decades, the odour of death that should be present is disturbingly absent. The lavish decore originally put into the design remains intact as if it were completed only yesterday. The beauty of this mausoleum is not so much the impressive nature of the structure itself, but the decorations and hand carved statues that adorn its interior. The inner walls are lined with an astonishing assortment of life-sized sculptures of people and animals, all gloriously painted in mesmeric fashion. In the centre of the grotto is a series of three steps, rising up in a pyramid, upon which a sarcophagus of white alabaster rests. Ø put crystal ball in opening You carefully insert the glimmering sphere into the opening in the lid of the sarcophagus. As you do, a low rumbling sound emanates from within the stone coffin and beams of light shoot out in all directions from small cracks between the sarcophagus and the lid. You begin to back away from the now violently shaking sarcophagus in the fear that either you have release some evil entity or that the whole thing may collapse dangerously around you. What was originally a low rumbling sound has now become a mighty roar and you cover your ears in an attempt to dampen the deafening noise. In anticipation of this inconceivable event reaching its climax you close your eyes and scream - more from the total overload of your senses than from actual fright. Your scream exhausted, you slowly open your eyes and uncover your ears not knowing what to expect. At first, your eyes have difficulty adjusting to the low light levels as a thick heavy dust swirls around the stagnant air of the crypt. Cautiously, you make your way to where the sarcophagus stood. It is still there on its pyramid base, but the capstone has disintegrated exposing the interior of the stone casket. Bewildered, you peer inside and discover a spiral staircase that descends down into a dark and unknown void. Ø d Before venturing into the passageway you should probably turn on the lantern so you can see. Ø turn on lantern You use one of the matches to light the old copper lantern. The wax candle in the old lantern looks new, but it will eventually burn itself out. It is probably best to only use the lamp when absolutely necessary. Ø d You make your way down the steps into the darkness. In A Long Subterranean Passage You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. You can just barely stand upright without your head brushing the ceiling and the corridor is only about three feet wide. The passageway extends east through the rock for an unknown distance. Ø e You inch along the tunnel to the east. In A Long Subterranean Passageway You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. The passageway is very narrow and just barely allows you to maneuver. Far in the distance to the east you can see a ray of light shining down from above - the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. The corridor also continues back to the west towards the mausoleum. Ø e You continue east along the narrow passageway towards the light. At The End Of A Long Subterranean Passage You have come to the end of a long, narrow underground corridor. Directly overhead is a rectangular storm drain through which rays of light are passing through and illuminating the immediate area. Though the tunnel ends here, you could follow it back to the west towards the mausoleum. Ø x drain The storm drain is round, about three feet in diameter, and made of solid iron. It has slots in to allow rain water through. The storm drain is closed. Ø open it (the storm drain) You push and pull at the storm drain but it just won't budge. It might be locked from above. Ø w You venture west back towards the mausoleum. In A Long Subterranean Passageway You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. The passageway is very narrow and just barely allows you to maneuver. Far in the distance to the east you can see a ray of light shining down from above - the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. The corridor also continues back to the west towards the mausoleum. Ø w You make your way west along the corridor. In A Long Subterranean Passage You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. You can just barely stand upright without your head brushing the ceiling and the corridor is only about three feet wide. The passageway extends east through the rock for an unknown distance. Ø u You climb up the stone steps to the mausoleum. Inside The Mausoleum Despite the fact that the air inside the burial vault has laid stagnant for decades, the odour of death that should be present is disturbingly absent. The lavish decore originally put into the design remains intact as if it were completed only yesterday. The beauty of this mausoleum is not so much the impressive nature of the structure itself, but the decorations and hand carved statues that adorn its interior. The inner walls are lined with an astonishing assortment of life-sized sculptures of people and animals, all gloriously painted in mesmeric fashion. In the centre of the grotto is a series of three steps, rising up in a pyramid, upon which a sarcophagus of white alabaster rests. Ø turn off lamp The lamp has been extinguished. Ø s You can't go in that direction, but you can move down and out. You can barely hear the church bells ringing out three o'clock in the morning. Ø out You move out. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a sturdy rope, the splitting maul, a full wooden canteen, a strong knife, a small shovel, a rugged rucksack, the pup tent, the map of the caves, a raincoat and a bosun's whistle. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a copper lantern, a box of matches, a pair of binoculars, a caving helmet with headlamp, a pair of hiking boots and a brass key. Ø drop lamp You drop the copper lantern. Ø drop binoculars You drop the pair of binoculars. Ø wear helmet You put on the caving helmet with headlamp. Ø wear boots You put on the pair of hiking boots. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, a caving helmet with headlamp and a pair of hiking boots, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a box of matches and a brass key. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø w You proceed west along the brick path toward the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø n You climb the stairs of the porch to the front door of the house. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø climb in You climb through the window to the vestibule. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø n Moving north, you pass through the foyer and into the parlor. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler is here. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø e You move east out of the dining room and into the library. In The Library This study is where the business of running the household would have taken place. At the centre of the room is a large, ornately decorated desk. The entire length of the eastern wall is devoted to a large and elaborate bookcase that holds leather-bound editions of reference books, dictionaries and literary classics. In the southeastern corner is a lectern upon which the family Bible is proudly displayed. In the southwestern corner is a large comfortable looking armchair. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling to provide ambient light for reading. Ø unlock door You unlock the trap door with the brass key. Four o'clock in the morning is indicated by the faint ringing of church bells in the distance. Ø open it (the trap door) You open the trap door. Ø d You make your way down through the opening in the floor. No sooner do you touch the ground when you hear the trap door being closed, and locked, above you. In A Secret Laboratory You are inside a secret laboratory of some kind. Judging from the materials lying around it appears to be a place for practicing alchemy. The western wall has a full length bench built into it upon which a dazzling array of vessels rest. The athanor is on the northern wall and a large cauldron rests in front of it. On the eastern wall is a small table upon which lie a variety of different texts. On the cobblestone floor is a large pentacle painted in some kind of red substance. White candles stand at each of the five points of the star, providing sufficient light by which to see. A choking, almost toxic, odour permeates the stale air in here. Though the air in here is stale, but breathable, it seems only a matter of time before the oxygen runs out if you can't find a way out of here. Ø x athanor Constructed so as to maintain uniform and durable heat, this digesting furnace rests against the northern wall of the laboratory. While a mainstay during the peak of alchemy, this oven does not look like it has been used for quite some time. Though the heat and putrid smell suggest otherwise. Ø a cauldron I don't understand what you want me to do with the cauldron. Ø x bench The workbench runs the entire length of the western wall. A wide array of vibrantly coloured glass vessels fill every square inch of the bench. Ø x vessels The glass vessels, in a vast array of sizes and full to varying degrees, litter the top of the workbench. Many of the jars appear to be stained on the outside as well; perhaps the result of spillage when attempting to mix ingredients. Ø x table It is just a simple wooden table. The leather bound book is on the small table. Ø get book You take the leather bound book from the small table. The candles flicker suggesting that the air supply in the laboratory is quickly running out. Ø read it (the leather bound book) The central tenet of alchemy is that the cosmos is a unity of interdependent parts, that man is therefore connected to the cosmos, and that, if the nature of that connection or relationship can be found, it can be used to man's benefit. The nature of this relationship is assumed from the very start not to be physical, but one of sympathies and antipathies with the mystical reality that both underpins and surpasses the natural world. The physical universe is assumed to be entirely constrained by this mystical reality; thus, one can, with proper effort and scrutiny of the physical world, discover the nature of this mystical reality much as one can guess at the final form of a building by looking at its blueprints. In Alchemy, the very essence of man's sprirtual relationship with this mystical reality is written, if you will, into the physical substance of the universe, and by learning the properties, sympathies, affinities, qualities, and elemental nature of matter, one can thus learn the properties of the relationship of man to that mystical reality. But the relationship between the natural world and the mystical reality as perceived by alchemy is not passive, as is the relationship between a building and its blueprints, but active. Alchemy assumes that direct control and alteration of the physical world is necessary for any understanding of the relationship of man to the cosmos. Alchemy is thus an agressively transformative mysticism, rather than a passively contemplative one. But alchemy is not about transforming nature in order to understand nature, it is about transforming nature in order to understand how to transform man. An understanding of the precise chemical steps that transforms base, "unripe" metals into gold is supposed to lead to an equal understanding of the precise philosophical steps required to transform man's body into the gold of perfect health and immortality and his soul into the spiritual gold of complete understanding of and perfect union with the mystical reality or with god. Alchemy has its roots in ancient magic, more specifically, in astrology. Both astrology and alchemy assume that what goes on in the cosmos generally has significance for man; astrology focuses more on the stars and alchemy more on terrestrial affairs, although there is quite a bit of overlap. Alchemy appears to be a nearly universal phenomenon in all human cultures, although there are a number of regional differences in details. Western European alchemy is the one most concerned with the transformation of base metals into gold and in the discovery or manufacture of the "philosopher's stone" or universal tincture by which the transformation of any alchemical step might be achieved instantly sort of like a mystical "catalyst." Chinese alchemy stresses more the idea of an elixir of immortality. In India it is used more as a means to heal specific diseases. Arabic alchemy is much more interested in the actual physical production of gold. All cultural flavors of alchemy assume that the universe is composed entirely of the four "elements" of earth, air, water, and fire, and that the relationships between these "elements," their animistic antipathies and sympathies with one another, their dualistic qualites of love and hate, male and female, hot and cold, wet and dry, positive and negative, action and reaction, and so on, is what enables the world to function as it does. Alchemy is also supremely interested with the inorganic rather than the organic world. Alchemy encourages the use of inorganic materials as medicines. All variations of alchemy deal with metals, metallic salts, acids, bases, and other corrosives. Alchemists employ the seven unalloyed metals known to the ancients -- gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, tin, and mercury, of which mercury is considered most important -- as well as sulfur on all its elemental and compound forms. Early alchemical processes were simple. The idea of changing base metals into gold seemed reasonable at the time, as it was assumed metals slowly changed in the earth from one kind to another; surely some simple concoction should suffice to hasten the change, to "ripen" the gold more quickly, as though the alchemist was a sort of metallic gardener. Pounding, grinding, boiling, distillation, and heating in furnaces were the most common methods used at first. As time went on, and neither gold, the philosopher's stone, nor the elixir of life were produced, it became clear that nature was unwilling to yield her secrets easily, and the methods, equipment and the number of steps employed grew more and more complicated, the processes employed ever more severe and torturous. The purpose of all this frenzied activity was, essentially, to dissolve away from the metal all that was base, inferior, or dross, and coagulate or congeal all that was superior --- gold. The preceeding text covers the first two pages of manuscript. A number of other pages appear to have been ripped out. On the back of the last page is this, hand written, message: I was so close. Long have I toiled to try to find a way to ease the suffering of my loved ones. But I fear that I may have ventured too close to the abyss. Dabbled too much in the dark arts. Sold my soul to the Devil for the good of my family; blind to the crimes I was committing against the name of God. For heaven's sake, please forgive me for what I am about to do. Ø drop it (the leather bound book) You drop the leather bound book. Ø l In A Secret Laboratory You are inside a secret laboratory of some kind. Judging from the materials lying around it appears to be a place for practicing alchemy. The western wall has a full length bench built into it upon which a dazzling array of vessels rest. The athanor is on the northern wall and a large cauldron rests in front of it. On the eastern wall is a small table upon which lie a variety of different texts. On the cobblestone floor is a large pentacle painted in some kind of red substance. White candles stand at each of the five points of the star, providing sufficient light by which to see. A choking, almost toxic, odour permeates the stale air in here. Also here is the leather bound book. Ø x pentagram The five pointed star painted on the floor in what appears to blood (whether it is animal or human is impossible to tell) is formed by five straight lines connecting the vertices of a pentagon; thus enclosing another pentagon inside the completed figure. At each vertex burns a white candle. Ø x floor The floor is made from large stones bonded together with mortar. It is all you can do now to draw in sufficient oxygen to stay alive. You breathe in deeply but the acrid air burns your lungs. You feel yourself getting tired; trying to fight the urge to go to sleep. Ø x candles The candles mysteriously appear to have been just recently lit as very little wax has dripped down their sides. Their flames burn evenly, without so much as a waver, suggesting that the air in this room is quite tranquil. Ø u The trap door leading to the library has been closed, and locked, by an unseen hand. Ø unlock door You can't unlock that. Ø wait Time passes... Ø g (wait) Time passes... Deprived of oxygen, the candles finally burns out. You manage one more shallow breath before slipping into unconciousness. When you finally wake up you are confronted with a splitting headache. You open your eyes and find yourself looking at a finely decorated ceiling that looks strangely familiar to you. For a moment you just lie there, afraid to move - not knowing if you can move. You head begins to clear a little when you hear the distant chiming of the church bells. You listen as each gong rings out, concentrating to count them in your head. Six tolls of the bell tell you that it is six o'clock in the morning. Who knows how long you have been asleep or how it is that you came to be here now? Feeling a little better with each passing minute you manage to have a look around and discover that you are lying in bed in what looks like the master bedroom. You get up, rubbing your head and trying to remember what happened. It is coming back to you in bits and pieces. You were in the library and discovered a secret room under the floor. You were trapped. You recall the sensation of being carried but you do not know by whom. You hear creaking sound of the hinges on the armoire being opened and then closed. And then footsteps. After that, everything is a blank. The next thing you remember is waking up here. In The Master Bedroom Although called the master bedroom this room is no larger than the other small bedrooms. It is cramped, yet cozy. A large central window in the southern wall allows an abundance of natural light inside. Unlike the rest of the house, the ceiling has been wallpapered in a fancy design. Against one wall is a simple full size canopy bed with one nightstand set beside it. A large chest of drawers occupies the wall directly opposite the bed. The room appears to be 'lived in'. All kinds of artifacts used for personal grooming are atop the dresser. Ø n You move north. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. Ø d You move down. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. The butler is here. The butler exits to the west. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø n You move north into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø w You proceed west to the butler's pantry. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. The butler is here. The butler exits to the west. Ø w You make your way into the kitchen to the west. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. The butler is here. Ø ask butler about drain "I assume that you are talking about the storm drain at the centre of the topiary. I gather that you want to know why it is locked or how it can be unlocked. As I am sure you already know, Corey, a secret tunnel runs from beneath the sarcophagus in the mausoleum to the centre of the topiary. Master Rourke dug the tunnel himself so that he could have quick access to that location. What for I can only imagine. Since he is no longer with us I see no harm in allowing you to use it. Give me about one hour to find the key and unlock it for you." Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø time It is about 6:20 AM in the early morning. Ø x armoire The Queen Anne design of this elaborate wardrobe features solid oak construction with a cherry veneer finish, brass hardware, and curved leg styling. A large red faded stain is visible on one of the doors to the cabinet. The resplendent armoire is open. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, a caving helmet with headlamp and a pair of hiking boots, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a box of matches and a brass key. Ø e You can only move north. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø w You follow the path west along the front of the house. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. Ø w You travel west following the veranda along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. Ø nw You round the corner to the northwest following the brick path along the terrace. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø n You follow the path north along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø n You move north following the terrace towards the back yard. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø n You move north onto a small footpath that leads through the backyard. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. Ø ne You follow the footpath to the northwest and into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø e You move east into the gazebo. In The Gazebo You are in a splendid Victorian gazebo with cedar cupola, roof and deck. The short walls are a lattice structure that provide an excellent foothold for the magnificent climbing roses and wisteria that grow all around the outside. The inside walls of the gazebo form a continuous bench on which to sit and relax. In the centre of the floor is a wooden table built right into the decking. To the west you can see a modest vegetable garden and beyond that a small woodshed. The main path through the backyard is visible through the portico to the east. Ø e You move east from the gazebo to the portico. In The Portico This covered ambulatory serves as an entrance to the gazebo to the west. It is a simply an extension of the walkway with an A-frame wooden roof supported by timber pillars. The path continue east towards a small grove of cherry trees. Ø e You proceed east onto a small footpath. On A Small Footpath This is a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. The back of the house is to the south and large shuttered windows block any view to the inside. The path leads away to southeast toward a small wooden structure. To the northwest the path follows along a simple picket fence to a small observatory. A Victorian gazebo is visible to the west through a small portico. Ø nw You move northwest. On A Small Footpath You are on a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. It extends to the southeast along a grove of cherry trees towards a simple wooden structure in the distance. This is the northern limit of the property line and is protected by a dense forest of evergreens. The woods are composed of old growth cedar and hemlock trees so the forest floor is fairly clear of understory. There is a narrow trail that leads north into the forest that you could follow if you dare. An observatory is visible to the west. Ø n You follow the narrow trail into the woods. In A Thick Forest You have entered the thick forest that backs the property on the northern edge. The old growth cedar and hemlocks trees are massive; perhaps hundreds of years old. Moss hangs from tree limbs in dense masses giving the woods an eerie and ancient look. The narrow trail ends here, but the forest floor is clear of underbrush so you can travel in any direction you wish. Through the tree line to the south you can barely see the house. You suddenly get a whiff of a foul stench so disgusting it makes your eyes water and you nearly vomit. As you take a moment to collect yourself you hear the snapping of twigs as if someone, or something, were walking among the trees just out of sight. You get a creepy sensation that something is watching you and you can feel your pulse racing. You call out to see if anyone responds but there is only silence. The smell is gone now, but your dread is not. Ø n You move north. In A Thick Forest You have wandered off the beaten path deeper into the woods. You stop for a moment and look around you but it is difficult to tell which way to go as the forest is very disorienting. Ø nw You make your way in a roughly northern direction... In A Meadow You have come upon a grassy meadow; really just a small clearing in the forest. You can smell salt in the air from the ocean to the north and hear the waves crashing onshore. The land begins to slope down in a generally northern direction here but the forest becomes thicker, too, as the tree line begins to take shape. As you come to the edge of the meadow something on the ground catches your eye. It is a large depression in the soft soil shaped liked a human footprint. You put your foot next to it and as you do so a lump begins to grow in your throat. The print must measure around eighteen inches in length and is much wider than your own. Whatever made this print is huge. You are suddenly reminded of an old legend you heard as a child. That of a large, hairy hominid that inhabited primeval forested areas - a sasquatch. You are instantly overcome with fear as you come to the realization that you are alone in the woods without adequate protection. You scan the horizon looking for any sign of the creature but the shadows and trees just play tricks with your imagination. You close your eyes and slowly count to ten trying to calm yourself down and convince yourself that this isn't really happening. When you open your eyes you feel a brief moment of composure that is shattered by the sight of a giant, man-like creature entering the trees about fifty yards across the meadow. Just before it disappears it turns and looks back at you. Ø nw You make your way down a steep slope through the trees, the sound of the ocean getting louder as you do. Within a few minutes you can see daylight through the trees and then the ocean itself. You continue on and cross the tree line onto a rocky beachfront. On A Rocky Beach You have passed through the forest tree line and onto a rocky outcrop of beach. The sea is calm today and the rhythmic sound of small waves coming ashore soothes your mood. You feel at one with nature. Just offshore several seaguls ride the waves as they search for minnows to snack on just below the surface. The tide is high, nearly to the tree line, but you do have a small patch of beach to explore to the east. Ø e You move east. At The Entrance To A Cave You are standing on a small stretch of beach between the tree line to the south and the wide open ocean to the north. The beach here is a mix of small round pebbles and fine grain white sand. A rocky outcrop juts out from just below the tree line. It is the entrance to a cave. The cavern opening is roughly circular with a diameter of about eight feet. It slopes down into the ground at a fairly steep angle so you cannot see much more than a couple feet inside. Behind some bushes you notice a small wooden sign staked to the ground. Ø read sign It simply reads; enter at your own risk. Ø d You should probably activate the headlamp before you go into the cavern. Ø activate headlamp The headlamp on the helmet is now on. The chemical reaction will provide light for quite a while but cannot be turned off. Ø d You guardedly navigate over the sharp rocks down into the mouth of the cave. In The Mouth Of The Cave You are standing in the mouth of a cavernous tunnel that extends south for some distance through the earth. The walls of the cave are moist from groundwater seeping through pores in the rock and a large number of stalactites and speleothems have formed due to this activity. The speleothems in this cave vary widely in colour from white, to yellow, to red. These colours are derived from the various minerals present in the overlying substrate. Ø d You make your way down and south further into the cave having to hunch more and more the deeper you go. In A Cavernous Tunnel This part of the cave is very narrow in comparison to the mouth of the cave proper. Pools of water dot the cavern floor and in many places cave coral coats the exposed rocks. The tunnel extends further down and to the south through a very small opening that you might just be able to squeeze through. The mouth of the cave is up and to the north. Ø d The only way you are going to make it through that hole is if you drop everything you are carrying. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, a caving helmet with headlamp and a pair of hiking boots, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a box of matches and a brass key. Ø wear brass key You put on the brass key. Ø drop all You drop the skeleton key, the pocket watch and the box of matches. Ø s You get down on your stomach and slowly pull yourself through the opening in the rock. As you pull yourself to your feet and dust yourself off you wryly smile, proud that you managed to navigate this far into the cave system. The sense of pride turns to apprehension and then to fear as you hear a low rumbling sound and then the whole cavern starts to shake. Your first impression is earthquake but you quickly realize that it is a rockslide occurring on the other side of the tight passage. You kneel down to check access to the cavernous tunnel but are dismayed to find out that the opening has been blocked by rock and that you are now trapped inside the network of caves and all you have with you is a pair of hiking boots and caving helmet with headlamp. After a half-hearted attempt at digging your way out you give up, having resigned yourself to the fact that you are going to have to find a different way out. In A Grotto You find yourself in a large grotto. This part of the cavern has obviously been modified by human hands as you can see where the walls have been chipped away at with a pick to make the walls more smooth and rounded. The remnants of the work, broken and chipped off rock, litter the cave floor. The ceiling of the cave is marked with protrusions of irregularly shaped, dark brown chert. The slope of the tunnel has evened out here and is almost flat. Small passages lead away from the grotto to the southeast and southwest as described on the map. Ø sw You move southwest. In The Southwest Passage You are in a narrow corridor, the southwest passage, that leads from the grotto to the antechamber. It is so narrow that you cannot hold your arms outstretched without touching the walls. There is a dry, musty scent in the air and the tight space is making you feel a little claustrophobic. Though you cannot tell what direction it is coming from, you can hear the unmistakable sound of running water. The passage winds its way around the corner to the southeast. A human skeleton lays sprawled out, face down, on the sandy floor of the cave. Ø x skeleton The skeleton has obviously been here for some time as all that remains are bones. Eerily, it is splayed out on the ground face down in a position that would suggest that whoever it was, was trying to get away from something when the end came. Ø se You move southeast. In The Antechamber You are standing in a small antechamber measuring about twenty feet across. Narrow passages lead northwest and northeast to the grotto from which you came. This room is basically dome shaped and the floor is composed of a soft sand. The sound of running water is unmistakable now, though you don't know where it is coming from. There is a wall to the south that is unremarkable except for the fact that there is a finger sized hole in it at approximately head height through which a beam of light is shining. Ø x hole It is just about the size of your index finger. Ø x sand The sand that makes up the floor is so soft that you sink into it a little bit. In fact, it is so fine that it is almost a powder. Mesmerized by its appearance you bend down to touch it. You plunge your hands deep into the grains and move them around. Astonishingly the sand feels much like a liquid. As you pull your hands out of the sand you find a small coin sized piece of glass. Ø x glass The piece of glass is about the size of a quarter. Upon closer inspection you realize that it is a mirror; a piece of glass plated with silver on one side. Ø put mirror in light You put the tiny mirror on the ground directly in the path of the beam of light that is shining through the hole in the wall. As you place the tiny mirror on the ground in the beam of light it immediately reflects the light straight up onto the ceiling. You tilt your head up to look at the ceiling of the cavern better and see what appears to be a bright beam of light cutting a hole through the rock. Thick, acrid smoke swirls overhead and the entire cavern rumbles heavily. Slowly, you back away from the light, yet you are mesmerized by the radiant glow. The, a new sound emanates from behind you. You spin around to see the rock wall inching its way down into the sand revealing what previously could only be seen through the small hole. In A Huge Underground Chamber You are standing in a large underground chamber that measures roughly one hundred yards in diameter. A large hole in the roof, about hundred feet overhead, allows in sufficient daylight for you to see clearly without the need for your headlamp. A small river, originating from a hole in the solid rock to the southeast, meanders across the expanse emptying into a large pond of sorts and then continues through another hole in the rock to the southwest. The far side of the chamber seems to dominated by lush greenery in the form of giant ferns and other small shrubs. The near side is mostly a grassy area though the grass thins significantly as the distance from the water increases. A small thatched bungalow sits off to the side in the clearing. In the distance to the south, in the middle of the large pond, is what appears to be a small island upon which is a pyramid structure that supports a golden fountain. The fountain is producing a cascade of crystal clear water that bubbles forth from the top and flows over the pyramid sides down to the pond below. There does not appear to be any exits though you could continue back toward the grotto by following the narrow passages to the northwest and northeast. Ø in You move in. In A Small Thatched Bungalow Long abandoned, this simple grass hut consists of a single circular room with no flooring or windows. Ample light pours through the opening that serves as a door to allow you to see the state of disrepair. Half buried in the sand that makes up the floor is what appears to be yet another human skeleton. This one is lying face up with its arms folded across its chest. Beside the entrance is a large wooden chest. Ø x chest The old wooden chest has seen better days. It is weathered and beaten and half buried in the sand. Strangely, the iron hinges that hold the lid in place are not rusty. The large wooden chest is locked. Ø unlock it (a large wooden chest) You unlock the large wooden chest with the brass key. Ø open it (a large wooden chest) You open the large wooden chest. A bellows is inside the large wooden chest. Ø get bellows You take the bellows from the large wooden chest. Ø x skeleton Judging from how much sand is covering the skeleton, it has been here for quite some time. You brush away some of the sand near the pelvis area to see if you can tell if it is a male or a female. As you do, you notice what looks like a sheet of rubber underneath the bones. You carefully remove more and more sand until you can remove the sheet without damaging the bones. Once safely excavated you realize that the sheet of rubber is, in fact, a deflated air mattress. Ø get mattress You take the air mattress. Ø out You move out. In A Huge Underground Chamber You are standing in a large underground chamber that measures roughly one hundred yards in diameter. A large hole in the roof, about hundred feet overhead, allows in sufficient daylight for you to see clearly without the need for your headlamp. A small river, originating from a hole in the solid rock to the southeast, meanders across the expanse emptying into a large pond of sorts and then continues through another hole in the rock to the southwest. The far side of the chamber seems to dominated by lush greenery in the form of giant ferns and other small shrubs. The near side is mostly a grassy area though the grass thins significantly as the distance from the water increases. A small thatched bungalow sits off to the side in the clearing. In the distance to the south, in the middle of the large pond, is what appears to be a small island upon which is a pyramid structure that supports a golden fountain. The fountain is producing a cascade of crystal clear water that bubbles forth from the top and flows over the pyramid sides down to the pond below. There does not appear to be any exits though you could continue back toward the grotto by following the narrow passages to the northwest and northeast. Ø inflate mattress You inflate the air mattress using the bellows. Ø float across pond You carefully position the inflated air mattress at the edge of the pond and lay face down on it. With a gentle shove you move off shore and begin paddling out towards the island. Though there is a little bit of a current pushing you to the west you easily overcome it and in just a few minutes arrive on the far shore. You stand up from the air mattress and look around in amazement. The sheer beauty and lush greenery are a wonder to behold...especially in such a location as this. It isn't long before your attention turns to the fountain atop the pyramid. Its crystal clear waters cascading down into the pond below seem to be almost drawing you to them. Step by step you make your way to the top of the pyramid. When you reach the top you gaze into the clear water, transfixed by its awesome clarity. You presently become aware of an intense feeling of being parched. Your thirst demanding that you drink from the spring; your mind telling you that you probably should not. The thirst wins out and you find yourself moving closer and closer to the bubbling water. You close your eyes as your mouth inches closer and closer. Just as your lips are about to touch the water you feel a sharp, stinging sensation in the back of your neck. You quickly stand up grabbing at the area where the pain originates. You look around to see if anyone is there but your senses are failing you. You have the sensation of falling and everything turning black. And then...nothing. The next time you open your eyes you are lying flat on your back staring at a ceiling that has been wallpapered with an elaborate floral design. You look around and realize that you are in bed in the master bedroom. You lie still for a few moments trying to remember what happened. It comes back to you in flashes; the cave in in the underground tunnel, the amazing underground spring, the pain in your neck. You stand up but feel a little shaky at first. It is not long, however, before you feel well enough to venture on. For some reason, though, you can't shake the idea that you should check out the armoire downstairs. In The Master Bedroom Although called the master bedroom this room is no larger than the other small bedrooms. It is cramped, yet cozy. A large central window in the southern wall allows an abundance of natural light inside. Unlike the rest of the house, the ceiling has been wallpapered in a fancy design. Against one wall is a simple full size canopy bed with one nightstand set beside it. A large chest of drawers occupies the wall directly opposite the bed. The room appears to be 'lived in'. All kinds of artifacts used for personal grooming are atop the dresser. Ø n You move north. In The Hall You are standing at the landing at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. There are no doors to any of the three bedrooms here and only a simple curtain provides privacy in the bathroom to the north. The master bedroom, which dominates most of the upstairs, is visible to the south. To the northwest is a boy's bedroom and a girl's bedroom is to the northeast. Above you is what appears to be an ingress to the attic. Also here is the foot stool. Ø d You move down. In The Kitchen You are standing in a brightly coloured, spacious kitchen. On the southern wall, just below a large single paned window, is a dual sink complete with hot and cold running water. Ample counter space surrounds the sink and extends the entire length of the wall. There is a small wooden chest that serves as the icebox against the partial wall to the east. A large wood stove, connected to an adjoining hot water tank, dominates the eastern wall. The wooden floor is bare except for the tiled area around the stove to protect against fire. The butler's pantry is to the west. A small staircase leads from beside the main pantry (which you could step into) to the upper floor. Ø e You travel east toward the dining room. In The Butler's Pantry Every room in a Victorian era home has its own purpose. The Butler's Pantry is a storage area for dishes, food, utensils, and linens. It is also an area for the hired help to prepare and eat their own meals while allowing the servants to pass food through form the kitchen to the dining room, creating the minimum of intrusion and allowing the guests very little view of the working space of the house. Surprisingly, considering the furnished state of the rest of the house, this room is entirely unfitted. Ø e You pass through the butler's pantry and into the dining room. In The Dining Room The most outstanding feature of this dining room is the magnificent sideboard that spans the entire length of the northern wall. Elaborately carved and heavily ornamented, the sideboard served a practical purpose when in daily use - storage of family silverware and table linens. Strategically positioned on the sideboard are mirrors designed to reflect light from the glorious candelabra that hangs from the middle of the ceiling. Above the sideboard is a large window through which you can see into the backyard. The window hangings consist of two layers of cloth. The under curtain, made from organdy, is lightweight allowing light into the house. The outer curtain, made from thick velvet, affords privacy while helping to eliminate cold drafts. A large rectangular dining room table sits beneath the chandelier. To the east you can see the library while the kitchen is through the butler's pantry to the west. The main parlor and entrance to the house lies through an archway to the south. There is also a small broom closet that you could step into. Ø s You leave the dining room through the archway to the south. In The Parlor This luxurious sitting room is the showplace - the social hub - of the home. On the eastern wall is a lavish fireplace surrounded by four ornate chairs and a two seat lounge. Circled by the chairs and in front of the fireplace is a small round table with a variety of decorative ornaments on it. Above the mantle is a large gold framed mirror with sconces on either side. In the center of the room is a plush covered round table covered with tiny framed photographs. In one corner stands an old phonograph. The dining room is to the north while the main hall lies to the west through a large archway. The foyer and front door are visible to the south. The butler is here. Ø s Exiting the parlor to the south you make your way towards the front door. In The Vestibule This grand paneled vestibule separates the veranda from the interior of the house. On the western wall is a large resplendent armoire while on the eastern wall is a coat and hat rack. The vestibule was often referred to as the mudroom as this is where you would remove your coat, hat, and shoes when first entering the home. Keeping in accordance with the opulent nature of Victorian decor, matte-finished tiles with hand carved tulips have been laid on the floor in place of a traditional welcome mat. The main portion of the house lies to the north. Ø x armoire The Queen Anne design of this elaborate wardrobe features solid oak construction with a cherry veneer finish, brass hardware, and curved leg styling. A large red faded stain is visible on one of the doors to the cabinet. The resplendent armoire is open. Inside the resplendent armoire is a caving helmet with headlamp, a bellows and an air mattress. Ø get headlamp You take the caving helmet with headlamp from the resplendent armoire. Ø get bellows You take the bellows from the resplendent armoire. Ø get mattress You take the air mattress from the resplendent armoire. Ø climb out You climb through the window onto the veranda. On The Veranda You are standing on the front porch of a beautiful, upper middle-class Victorian style home. In pure Victorian style, this elegant and spacious veranda is constructed from the finest oak boards - scored and then painted to resemble intricate stonework. The asymmetry of the architecture is apparent in the columns supporting the roof; gradually become more spaced as the veranda circles the front of the house to the west. The facade is dominated by large shuttered bay windows. A stylish rocking chair on the left and a mailbox on the right flank the front door to the north. Down the stairs to the south is a brick walkway that leads off in several different directions. Further off in the distance, you can see the front lawn and orchard. Ø s You make your way down the front steps that lead from the porch to the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway that winds off in several directions. The main entrance to the house lies to the north on the veranda. The main branch of the path meanders off to the south onto a small footbridge that spans a small creek towards the front lawn and orchard. The path also leads to the east and west along the front of the house. Ø w You follow the path west along the front of the house. On A Brick Path This brick walkway runs along the front of the house below the raised veranda. Far to the east you can see a small arched footbridge and beyond that an impressive hedge that forms a long wall. The path continues along to the west towards the corner of the house. You hear the babbling of the small creek that flows along the front of the house. Ø w You travel west following the veranda along the front of the house. On A Brick Path You are at the corner of the house along a brick path that winds its way through the property. It continues along to the northwest between the house and a magnificent terraced garden. Looking north from here you can see both the front and western side of the house. Across the lawn to the south you can see an orchard. The path also leads east along the front of the house towards a small arched footbridge that spans a small creek that flows through the property. Ø nw You round the corner to the northwest following the brick path along the terrace. On A Brick Path The brick path meanders its way around the corner of the house here. To the north, the walkway runs between the veranda and a beautiful terraced garden cut into the steep landscape of the western edge of the property. The path also leads southeast around the front of the house towards the front yard. From here you can see a large orchard to the south across a lush green expanse of lawn. Ø n You follow the path north along the terrace. Along The Terrace You are on a small footpath that runs north/south between the side of the house and a majestic terraced garden sculpted into the steep sloping landscape to the west. A stone retaining wall, about four feet tall, runs along side of the path closest to the terrace. Beyond the wall the palatial garden extends up the hill in a kaleidoscope of richly coloured perennials. The path winds its way south along the veranda to the front yard and north along the garden into the backyard. Ø n You move north following the terrace towards the back yard. Along The Terrace This small footpath runs north/south along the veranda on the western side of the house. To the east is a splendid terraced garden. Along the path is a stone wall rising about four feet from the ground that acts as the edge of the garden. From the edge of the wall the garden slopes steeply uphill to the west. A wide variety of perennials have been planted in the hillside providing a vivid display of colours. Beneath the veranda is some scrubby brush along the western wall of the house. Ø ne You can't go in that direction, but you can move north, south and down. Ø n You move north onto a small footpath that leads through the backyard. On A Small Footpath This is a small walkway that runs the entire length of the western side of the house. A garden terrace set into the landscape is visible south of here. The path turns around the corner of the house to the northeast leading to the backyard. From somewhere in the distance eight o'clock in the morning is chimed out by the church bells. Ø ne You follow the footpath to the northwest and into the vegetable garden. In The Vegetable Garden This large garden extends out to the north from outside the main kitchen across the backyard towards the observatory. The plot of land consists of nine evenly spaced squares of soil separated by narrow paths of grass. Each section is devoted to one particular crop - there are carrots, cucumbers, leeks, onions, radishes, scallions, strawberries and tomatoes. The last plot has been left for producing compost. The main walkway that goes around the house exits the garden to the southwest. There is a woodshed at the end of the garden to the west and a Victorian gazebo to the east. Beside the woodshed is a sinister looking scarecrow. A mangy looking crow is here. Ø e You move east into the gazebo. In The Gazebo You are in a splendid Victorian gazebo with cedar cupola, roof and deck. The short walls are a lattice structure that provide an excellent foothold for the magnificent climbing roses and wisteria that grow all around the outside. The inside walls of the gazebo form a continuous bench on which to sit and relax. In the centre of the floor is a wooden table built right into the decking. To the west you can see a modest vegetable garden and beyond that a small woodshed. The main path through the backyard is visible through the portico to the east. Ø e You move east from the gazebo to the portico. In The Portico This covered ambulatory serves as an entrance to the gazebo to the west. It is a simply an extension of the walkway with an A-frame wooden roof supported by timber pillars. The path continue east towards a small grove of cherry trees. Ø e You proceed east onto a small footpath. On A Small Footpath This is a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. The back of the house is to the south and large shuttered windows block any view to the inside. The path leads away to southeast toward a small wooden structure. To the northwest the path follows along a simple picket fence to a small observatory. A Victorian gazebo is visible to the west through a small portico. Ø nw You move northwest. On A Small Footpath You are on a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. It extends to the southeast along a grove of cherry trees towards a simple wooden structure in the distance. This is the northern limit of the property line and is protected by a dense forest of evergreens. The woods are composed of old growth cedar and hemlock trees so the forest floor is fairly clear of understory. There is a narrow trail that leads north into the forest that you could follow if you dare. An observatory is visible to the west. Ø n You follow the narrow trail into the woods. In A Thick Forest You have entered the thick forest that backs the property on the northern edge. The old growth cedar and hemlocks trees are massive; perhaps hundreds of years old. Moss hangs from tree limbs in dense masses giving the woods an eerie and ancient look. The narrow trail ends here, but the forest floor is clear of underbrush so you can travel in any direction you wish. Through the tree line to the south you can barely see the house. Ø n You move north. In A Thick Forest You have wandered off the beaten path deeper into the woods. You stop for a moment and look around you but it is difficult to tell which way to go as the forest is very disorienting. Ø nw You move northwest. In A Meadow You have come upon a grassy meadow; really just a small clearing in the forest. You can smell salt in the air from the ocean to the north and hear the waves crashing onshore. The land begins to slope down in a generally northern direction here but the forest becomes thicker, too, as the tree line begins to take shape. Ø nw You make your way down a steep slope through the trees, the sound of the ocean getting louder as you do. Within a few minutes you can see daylight through the trees and then the ocean itself. You continue on and cross the tree line onto a rocky beachfront. On A Rocky Beach You have passed through the forest tree line and onto a rocky outcrop of beach. The sea is calm today and the rhythmic sound of small waves coming ashore soothes your mood. You feel at one with nature. Just offshore several seaguls ride the waves as they search for minnows to snack on just below the surface. The tide is high, nearly to the tree line, but you do have a small patch of beach to explore to the east. Ø d You can't go in that direction, but you can move east and southeast. Ø e You move east. At The Entrance To A Cave You are standing on a small stretch of beach between the tree line to the south and the wide open ocean to the north. The beach here is a mix of small round pebbles and fine grain white sand. A rocky outcrop juts out from just below the tree line. It is the entrance to a cave. The cavern opening is roughly circular with a diameter of about eight feet. It slopes down into the ground at a fairly steep angle so you cannot see much more than a couple feet inside. Behind some bushes you notice a small wooden sign staked to the ground. Ø d You shouldn't enter the cave unless you are properly equipped with a caving helmet and headlamp. Ø wear boots You are already wearing the pair of hiking boots! Ø wear helmet You put on the caving helmet with headlamp. Ø d You guardedly navigate over the sharp rocks down into the mouth of the cave. In The Mouth Of The Cave You are standing in the mouth of a cavernous tunnel that extends south for some distance through the earth. The walls of the cave are moist from groundwater seeping through pores in the rock and a large number of stalactites and speleothems have formed due to this activity. The speleothems in this cave vary widely in colour from white, to yellow, to red. These colours are derived from the various minerals present in the overlying substrate. Ø d You make your way down and south further into the cave having to hunch more and more the deeper you go. In A Cavernous Tunnel This part of the cave is very narrow in comparison to the mouth of the cave proper. Pools of water dot the cavern floor and in many places cave coral coats the exposed rocks. The tunnel extends further down and to the south through a very small opening that you might just be able to squeeze through. The mouth of the cave is up and to the north. Also here is a skeleton key, a pocket watch and a box of matches. Ø get skeleton key You take the skeleton key. Ø get watch You take the pocket watch. Ø get matches You take the box of matches. Ø s The only way you are going to make it through that hole is if you drop everything you are carrying. Ø u You make your way up through the tunnel to the mouth of the cave. In The Mouth Of The Cave You are standing in the mouth of a cavernous tunnel that extends south for some distance through the earth. The walls of the cave are moist from groundwater seeping through pores in the rock and a large number of stalactites and speleothems have formed due to this activity. The speleothems in this cave vary widely in colour from white, to yellow, to red. These colours are derived from the various minerals present in the overlying substrate. Ø u You cautiously make your way up over the jagged rocks back onto the beach. At The Entrance To A Cave You are standing on a small stretch of beach between the tree line to the south and the wide open ocean to the north. The beach here is a mix of small round pebbles and fine grain white sand. A rocky outcrop juts out from just below the tree line. It is the entrance to a cave. The cavern opening is roughly circular with a diameter of about eight feet. It slopes down into the ground at a fairly steep angle so you cannot see much more than a couple feet inside. Behind some bushes you notice a small wooden sign staked to the ground. Ø w You move west. On A Rocky Beach You have passed through the forest tree line and onto a rocky outcrop of beach. The sea is calm today and the rhythmic sound of small waves coming ashore soothes your mood. You feel at one with nature. Just offshore several seaguls ride the waves as they search for minnows to snack on just below the surface. The tide is high, nearly to the tree line, but you do have a small patch of beach to explore to the east. Ø se You move southeast. In A Meadow You have come upon a grassy meadow; really just a small clearing in the forest. You can smell salt in the air from the ocean to the north and hear the waves crashing onshore. The land begins to slope down in a generally northern direction here but the forest becomes thicker, too, as the tree line begins to take shape. Ø s You move south. In A Thick Forest You have wandered off the beaten path deeper into the woods. You stop for a moment and look around you but it is difficult to tell which way to go as the forest is very disorienting. Ø s You move south. In A Thick Forest You have entered the thick forest that backs the property on the northern edge. The old growth cedar and hemlocks trees are massive; perhaps hundreds of years old. Moss hangs from tree limbs in dense masses giving the woods an eerie and ancient look. The narrow trail ends here, but the forest floor is clear of underbrush so you can travel in any direction you wish. Through the tree line to the south you can barely see the house. Ø s You leave the forest along the narrow trail and enter the backyard. On A Small Footpath You are on a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. It extends to the southeast along a grove of cherry trees towards a simple wooden structure in the distance. This is the northern limit of the property line and is protected by a dense forest of evergreens. The woods are composed of old growth cedar and hemlock trees so the forest floor is fairly clear of understory. There is a narrow trail that leads north into the forest that you could follow if you dare. An observatory is visible to the west. Ø se You move southeast. On A Small Footpath This is a small footpath that winds its way through the backyard. The back of the house is to the south and large shuttered windows block any view to the inside. The path leads away to southeast toward a small wooden structure. To the northwest the path follows along a simple picket fence to a small observatory. A Victorian gazebo is visible to the west through a small portico. Ø sw You can't go in that direction, but you can move north, east, west, northeast, southeast and northwest. Ø se You move southeast. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. The faraway church bells indicate that it is nine o'clock in the morning. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a sturdy rope, the splitting maul, a full wooden canteen, a strong knife, a copper lantern, a small shovel, a rugged rucksack, a pair of binoculars, the pup tent, the map of the caves, a raincoat and a bosun's whistle. Ø get rope You take the sturdy rope. Ø get axe You take the splitting maul. Ø get canteen You take the full wooden canteen. Ø get knife You take the strong knife. Ø get lamp You take the copper lantern. Ø get shovel You take the small shovel. Ø get rucksack You take the rugged rucksack. Ø get binoculars You take the pair of binoculars. Ø get tent You take the tent and carefully fold it up so it can be carried easily. Ø get map You take the map of the caves. Ø get raincoat The raincoat is too heavy for you to carry at the moment. Ø look In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a raincoat and a bosun's whistle. Ø n You move north. At The Entrance To A Hedge Maze This is the entrance to a meticulously kept hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. As the morning wears on, ten o'clock is signalled by the church bells in the distance. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Eleven o'clock in the morning is sounded out by the remote church bells. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. At The Centre Of The Topiary You are standing at the centre of the topiary; a large spacious rectangular area adorned with a dizzying variety of hardy flowering plants. The walls of the hedge are tall enough to block out any view of what lies beyond. You can hear running water, like a slowly trickling brook, though you cannot discern from which direction the sound is coming. The only exit lies to the south, leading back into the maze. A large stone altar rests at the centre of the yard. In a shallow depression in the ground here is a circular storm drain to allow rain water to run off. Ø x drain The circular storm drain, made from solid iron, measures about three feet in diameter. It has slots in it to allow rain water to pass through. The storm drain is open. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit, a caving helmet with headlamp, a pair of hiking boots and a brass key, and you are carrying a skeleton key, a pocket watch, a sturdy rope, the splitting maul, a full wooden canteen, a strong knife, a copper lantern, a small shovel, a box of matches, a rugged rucksack, a pair of binoculars, the pup tent, the map of the caves, a tiny mirror, a bellows and an air mattress. Ø remove helmet You remove the caving helmet with headlamp. Ø remove boots You remove the pair of hiking boots. Ø put all on altar You put the skeleton key, the pocket watch, the sturdy rope, the splitting maul, the full wooden canteen, the strong knife, the copper lantern, the small shovel, the box of matches, the rugged rucksack, the pair of binoculars, the caving helmet with headlamp, the pair of hiking boots, the pup tent, the map of the caves, the tiny mirror, the bellows and the air mattress onto the altar. Ø i You are wearing a brown tweed suit and a brass key, and you are carrying nothing. Ø d You move down. At The End Of A Long Subterranean Passage You have come to the end of a long, narrow underground corridor. Directly overhead is a rectangular storm drain through which rays of light are passing through and illuminating the immediate area. Though the tunnel ends here, you could follow it back to the west towards the mausoleum. Ø w You venture west back towards the mausoleum. In A Long Subterranean Passageway You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. The passageway is very narrow and just barely allows you to maneuver. Far in the distance to the east you can see a ray of light shining down from above - the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. The corridor also continues back to the west towards the mausoleum. Ø w You make your way west along the corridor. In A Long Subterranean Passage You are in a long underground tunnel of some kind. You can just barely stand upright without your head brushing the ceiling and the corridor is only about three feet wide. The passageway extends east through the rock for an unknown distance. Ø u You climb up the stone steps to the mausoleum. Inside The Mausoleum Despite the fact that the air inside the burial vault has laid stagnant for decades, the odour of death that should be present is disturbingly absent. The lavish decore originally put into the design remains intact as if it were completed only yesterday. The beauty of this mausoleum is not so much the impressive nature of the structure itself, but the decorations and hand carved statues that adorn its interior. The inner walls are lined with an astonishing assortment of life-sized sculptures of people and animals, all gloriously painted in mesmeric fashion. In the centre of the grotto is a series of three steps, rising up in a pyramid, upon which a sarcophagus of white alabaster rests. Ø out You move out. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Also here is a raincoat and a bosun's whistle. Ø get raincoat You take the raincoat. Ø get whistle You take the bosun's whistle. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Midday is announced by the drawn out chiming of distant church bells. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø w You move west. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø w You move west. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø w You move west. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø n You move north. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø n You follow the path north along the side of the house. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø n You move north towards the fountain. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø ne You move northeast onto a small footpath. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø n You move north into the grove of cherry trees. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø n You move north. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø in You move in. Inside The Mausoleum Despite the fact that the air inside the burial vault has laid stagnant for decades, the odour of death that should be present is disturbingly absent. The lavish decore originally put into the design remains intact as if it were completed only yesterday. The beauty of this mausoleum is not so much the impressive nature of the structure itself, but the decorations and hand carved statues that adorn its interior. The inner walls are lined with an astonishing assortment of life-sized sculptures of people and animals, all gloriously painted in mesmeric fashion. In the centre of the grotto is a series of three steps, rising up in a pyramid, upon which a sarcophagus of white alabaster rests. Ø d You will probably need a significant source of light to navigate the underground passage. Ø out You move out. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees You are standing in a grove of cherry trees that have been well spaced and pampered with proper pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant fruit bearers. The evenly spaced trees allow clear lines of sight in all directions. The main house is visible in the distance to the southwest. To the north the grove thickens into a dense, inaccessible forest while the grove itself extends west and south from here. Beneath one of the cherry trees is a large plot of earth that has been fenced off on three sides. Within the plot is a large granite mausoleum. Also here are the iron chains and a broken padlock. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. In A Grove Of Cherry Trees The trees in this grove have been well spaced and pampered with diligent pruning and watering allowing them to develop into healthy and elegant bearers of fruit. The thick round branches support large leaves that protect the cherries from scavenging birds. Considerable thought has gone into the planting of the trees as they appear to be spaced on a 20-foot-by 20-foot grid such that when mature, fifty percent sunlight would reach the canopy. A small footpath leads from the grove south towards a small wooden structure. A thick, impassable forest lines the grove to the east. The ground is covered in a miasma of grey mist; the nebulous fog shrouding all around you. Ø s You move south. On A Narrow Footpath You are on a narrow footpath that winds its way through the various areas of the spacious backyard. A large marble fountain is visible to the southwest. The path splits off from here leading northwest towards some wooden structures in the distance and to the southeast to a small stable. A grove of cherry trees stands in the northeastern corner of the yard. Ø sw You travel south and west towards the fountain at the side of the house. At The Fountain This beautiful fountain, carved from solid marble, depicts a cherub in the middle of a large round pool measuring about eight feet in diameter. The angel's head is titled back and a stream of water flows straight up and out of its open mouth before cascading down over its face and into the pool below. A brick walkway leads through a colonnade to the south and extends out towards the front lawn. A small footpath leads off to the northeast towards a small wooden building in the distance. Ø s You travel south along the side of the house to the colonnade. At The Colonnade This small peristyle acts as an entranceway to a beautifully carved fountain that lies to the north. It is made of a series of arches supported by evenly spaced columns. The open court inside is made from solid granite. The brick path extends north and south from here. Ø s You move south onto a brick path that leads to the front of the house. On A Brick Path The brick walkway extends along the eastern side of the house. A colonnade is visible to the north and through it you can see what appears to be an elaborate marble fountain. Small fruit trees line the path to the east separating the main house from a large expanse of green. The main walkway lies to the south. Ø s You travel south along the brick path toward the front yard. On A Brick Path You are on a brick walkway at the corner of the front of the house. From here the path splits off at a ninety-degree angle. The path extends to the west along the front of the house below the veranda. The other branch leads off to the north along the eastern side of the house. A water well is visible at the top of a small hill to the northeast and there is a small wooden footbridge arching over a small stream to the east. Ø e You move east onto a small foot bridge. On A Small Foot Bridge This is a small wooden footbridge that crosses over a small stream that winds through the property. The main walkway continues across the bridge to the west while to the east you can see a long hedge that forms a wall. The small brook carves its way through the property originating from the northeast near the far edge of the hedge to the southwest towards the orchard. Ø e You move east. On A Brick Path You are standing on a brick path that leads from a small foot bridge to the west along the front of a very large hedge. A small stream flows just north and cuts its way through the property along the front of the house. Across the stream you can see a small stable set in amongst some trees. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge You are walking along the front of a large hedge. Thick impenetrable forest lies south of here while a small brick path leads west toward the house. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A very large hedge towers over your head to the north and dark, impassable forest looms to the south. In the distance you can see a small foot bridge and beyond that the front of the main house. You can hear the faint rambling of a small stream. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge A sense of claustrophobia sinks in as the hedge to the north and the forest to the south close in around you. Far in the distance to the west you can see a small footbridge. The front of the main house is just barely visible from here. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The hedge and the forest are almost one at this point. The hedge extends far to the west toward the main house while in the distance to the east you can see a large wooden sign staked in the ground. Ø e You move east. Along A Hedge The imposing wall of the massive hedge begins to open here providing relief from the constant hanging pressure created by the entangled union of the forest with the hedge. A large wooden sign visible just to the east while a narrow passage leads west gradually widening as it does so. Ø e You move east. In Front Of A Hedge Maze You are standing at the entrance to an elaborate hedge maze. A narrow sodden pathway leads into the maze to the north. The hedge itself is constructed entirely from Leyland Cypress and extends roughly fifty to sixty feet in both directions from the point of access. A large wooden sign is posted near the ingress. Ø e You can't go in that direction, but you can move north and west. Ø n You move north. At The Entrance To A Hedge Maze This is the entrance to a meticulously kept hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. A lone gong of the far off church bells signals one o'clock in the afternoon. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Two distant rings of the church bells indicates that it is two o'clock in the afternoon. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø w You move west. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø s You move south. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø e You move east. Inside A Hedge Maze You are inside a hedge maze. The hedge itself is cut entirely from Leyland Cypress and stands about ten feet in height making it impossible to see over. Ø n You move north. At The Centre Of The Topiary You are standing at the centre of the topiary; a large spacious rectangular area adorned with a dizzying variety of hardy flowering plants. The walls of the hedge are tall enough to block out any view of what lies beyond. You can hear running water, like a slowly trickling brook, though you cannot discern from which direction the sound is coming. The only exit lies to the south, leading back into the maze. A large stone altar rests at the centre of the yard. In a shallow depression in the ground here is a circular storm drain to allow rain water to run off. Ø put all on altar You put the raincoat and the bosun's whistle onto the altar. Ø get whistle You take the bosun's whistle from the altar. Ø blow the whistle You Win!!!