The Field Guide

Jared stands in a small library. In the center is a large desk; on it are jars filled with odds and ends, an open book, and an old pair of glasses. The books all are about dwarves and brownies and things that fly. Atop another open book is a note that reads like a riddle:

In a man’s torso you will find

My secret to all mankind

If false and true can be the same

You will soon know of my fame

Up and up and up again

Good luck dear friend” (34).

Mrs. Grace returns home. She’s angry that the kids are still up. She notices the open dumbwaiter shaft, guesses that Jared might be in it, and insists it be lowered. It’s empty. She demands to know where Jared is; Mallory and Simon shrug. She sends them off to bed.

Trapped in the small room, Jared hears rustling. He looks around and sees, in the dust atop the desk, words freshly inscribed: “Click clack, watch your back” (37). Frightened, Jared jerks back and his candle snuffs out. He asks who’s in the room with him, but nothing answers. The dumbwaiter creaks; from the bottom of the shaft, Mallory whispers: “Get in.