History, legend, and rumor surround the house, once a station on the Underground Railroad and the home of long-dead abolitionist Dies Drear.
Virginia Hamilton continues the Dies Drear chronicles of suspense through a series of dramatic events. We again meet Thomas Small and his family, loyal Mr. Pluto, clever Pesty Darrow, and her aloof brother Macky. And we are introduced to the unforgettable Mrs. Darrow, whose mind twists back on itself like an ancient tunnel of the Underground.
Professor Small, cataloging the priceless antiques of the vast, hidden treasure, must face the question -- to whom does the treasure belong? To Pluto, who guarded it and faithfully kept its secret in memory of Dies Drear? To the foundation that owns the property? The storehouse is in danger not only from thieving Darrow men, but also from the real peril of collapsing walls in the treasure cavern. The time for decision has come. In a brilliant move, Professor Small solves his dilemma. And Thomas and Macky are able to face squarely an old conflict between them.
