Grace Clarkson had seen The Olde Book Shop before but never had the time to go in and browse. She had been too busy with last minute details in the publishing of the book she had written. Today, however, she missed her train home to Arlington Heights and had some free time before the next train.678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdzF84Atqv
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She browsed the display window of The Olde Book Shop for a few moments but found nothing that caught her interest. She could, however, vaguely see hundreds of books lining the walls inside the dimly-lit shop, and … there was a narrow stairway to a loft with many books stacked willy-nilly on the stair treads. She smiled to herself as she decided there was bound to be a treasure hidden somewhere in this ancient funny little bookshop.678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvDGUncWMG
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As she entered the shop, the tinkling bell above the door surprised her and made her think of the little girl in the film, It’s a Wonderful Life, who said, every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. She quietly closed the shop door and slowly walked into the interior of the shop, surveying the breadth and width of its offerings. 678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTISQn6dd
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When she reached the foot of the stairway leading to the loft, she stopped and looked up. Sunlight peeking through the skylight was caught in the swirling dust particles produced by the draft when she entered the shop. The possibilities of finding a treasure hidden in the loft captivated her attention. She grasped the handrail and thought of Dr. Seuss as she carefully climbed upward, avoiding the stacks of books. 678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI8s8C5uT4
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She remembered reading to her little girl, Sarah, something Dr. Seuss said about books in all the nooks and crannies. The author of those delightful books most certainly must have climbed stairs such as these.678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxrTLoUDEA
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The skylight provided adequate light for a preliminary search, but the day was waning so the light would not last long; there appeared to be no other available illumination.678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKo1Cd7wu4
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As she moved slowly along the balcony, scanning the bookshelves, she felt the presence of someone near which she thought odd. She looked in all directions but saw no one at first. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw movement in a recess at the back of the balcony. “Hello?” … There was no answer. Then she heard someone shuffling across floorboards on the level below.678Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUavyZwziE
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