The Grave Robber's Secret Read Online Free PDF

Burke’s shoulder.
    Burke stepped away and brushed at his coat where Da’s hand had touched. “I don’t care to be touched by those outside my family. Please remember that in the future,” he said, frowning.
    Da looked as if he had been slapped, and for a moment Robby actually felt a bit sorry for his father. “Sure thing, Mr. Burke, sir,” Roger said. “When will you be moving in?”
    â€œRight away.” He turned to Ma. “The rooms do seem to be in order, but they want dusting. I trust you can take care of that immediately.” He did not wait for an answer. “Who lives in the third room?” he asked.
    â€œMiss Stone,” said Robby’s mother. “She is a dear old lady, and very quiet. She takes most of her meals in her room. She’s not strong.”
    â€œWould you like the third room?” Roger asked. “Because if you do, that can be arranged.”
    Robby, who had stayed near the doorway, gasped, but no one seemed to notice. Would his father really turn out Miss Stone? She had been with them for as long as he could remember, and Robby knew she had no other place to go. If his father forced her out, Robby would find her another house where she could rent a room. He would find such a place even if he had to walk every street in the city.
    â€œNo,” said Burke, “two rooms are all we require. I shall go now and fetch my Martha. We have traveled far, and she will be glad of a bed on which to rest.”
    â€œOff with the both of you,” said Da as soon as the door closed behind Mr. Burke. “Get your dust rags and run. You’ve got to be on top of things in the place now that we will have a gentleman in the house. No more lazy lounging about for the two of you.”
    Ma’s face turned scarlet and Robby knew she was thinking that it was Da who did the lounging about. He was afraid that his mother might not be able to keep her tongue, and then, of course, Da’s famous temper would erupt. He was relieved when she, without speaking, took two pieces of cloth from her rag bag and handed him one.
    They said nothing until they were upstairs, but just before they parted, each to tidy a separate room, Ma spoke. “He gives me the willies, that Burke does.” She shook her head. “Mark my words, we will be sorry of his coming. I know we will.”
    Robby’s eyebrows went up with surprise. “No, Ma,” he said. “This is a lucky day for us. There will be no need now to go to the graveyard.” He whistled while he dusted.
    True to his word, William Burke returned soon after the dusting was finished. Ma had gone back to do the dishes, and Robby had taken his dust rag into the parlor. This time Burke did not knock. Robby heard the outside door open in the hall and looked up to see their new boarder come in. “I won’t be knocking at a house where I pay to lodge,” Mr. Burke announced, and he set down his bag. A girl followed him inside and stood beside him, her eyes down. She wore a brown cape that seemed too heavy for the spring weather. She was smaller than Robby, but he thought she looked to be about his age. Probably she had inherited her small frame from her father. She had not, thank heavens, inherited his looks. Her fair hair framed a face with fine, perfect features, and her skin was so clear that a light seemed to come from beneath it. She looked, Robby thought, like a china doll that should be kept on a shelf because it was not strongly made.
    Robby realized he should respond to Mr. Burke’s comment. “Certainly, sir,” he said. “We’d not expect you to knock. Can I help you with your bags?” He leaned around the doorway to see if there were more bags in the hall. “Do you have more?”
    â€œNo,” said Mr. Burke. “We traveled light. I expect we will be doing a deal of shopping once we’re settled. What is your name, my