The writing in the wall, Hill Street

(Chapter Two) Jonah was finished with the clean out of the old attic. The job had been stuffy and hot. The place had been used as storage for years. Also the previous owners were reclusive. They had largely kept to themselves. When Jonah had taken the job of remodeling the old house, he had known it would be formidable.

Furthermore, he had expected more than a small amount of work in the old attic. The house was a four story, Victorian. Elaborate and large, it sits on its corner lot like the crown jewel of the antiquated neighborhood. Additionally, at the back of the lot adjacent to the main house, sits a four bay garage.

The entire property is an astounding piece of real estate. Indeed Jonah couldn’t wait to start the remodel. However, it all began with the attic. This was his current challenge. Furthermore, he and his crew had spent the day clearing out the large space. There were years worth of antiques, and old knick knacks from the past.

The writing in the wall

In fact, there were so many old and interesting things, Jonah had decided to delay throwing everything away. However, it was all meant for the construction dumpster. This meant it was later in the day, before they finally began to see the walls of the attic.

“This job will move much quicker with this attic cleared”, Adam joins Jonah in the almost cleared attic. The air is musty and stale. The years of, things undisturbed, has left a scent of leather and old newspapers. Jonah agrees with Adam and helps him remove the last of the old boxes from the lone dormer on the backside of the house.

Ten minutes later and Jonah is sweeping the floor of debris in that same dormer, when he notices a small indentation at the base of the outside wall. Curious, he stoops to investigate. As he examines the elaborate wainscoting panels, he discovers an unusual feature. A small door.

He feels around the base of the wall, and in a moment finds a latch. The little door pops open slightly. Jonah pulls it open, and the small hinges squeak rustily. Inside the small area is a small wooden box. It is exquisitely and finely made. The wood appears to be an elegant hardwood. Perhaps cherry.

The writing in the wall, Hill Street

Jonah pulls the box, from the opening in the wall. The surface of the box is covered in carvings. In fact, they cover the top of the box. Similarly, they flow over to the sides, and carry around the box. It is a fine piece of craftsmanship.

He looks at the top of the strange box again. And he sees there are words carved there. Simple and elegant he wonders on their origin. Furthermore, he wonders what they mean. He turns the box to see how it opens. It is a puzzle, it seems. Then he turns the box upright again. To see the words once more. They are simple and mysterious:

“Incipimus iterum”