The old gentleman led Skylar and Reed up the stairs to the next floor, then up some more stairs until they were on the top floor of the old mansion. Along the way, the old guy told them his name was 'Jasper, just Jasper. I don't like to be called nuthin else!' They came to an empty room full of dust and neglect. Jasper went to the far end of it where he retrieved an old oil lamp. He lit it and went to a section of wall. He tapped around a few times, then pressed a place on the wall. It swung out of the way to reveal another small chamber. He motioned the guys to follow him into it. Once they all were in the room, they noticed there was a ladder leading upward to a small trap-door that was closed. Jasper took the lamp with him and climbed the ladder. He pushed the trap-door open and then climbed up into it vanishing from sight for a few moments. Soon, there was more light coming from the trap-door entry as Jasper had lit another lamp up there. He motioned for Reed and Skylar to join him up there. Skylar went up first and was heard to exclaim aloud when he got into the attic. This got Reed's curiosity aroused more so he hurried up behind Skylar. When his head emerged into the attic, he had quite a big surprise waiting. The area of the attic was filled with old trunks, crates and barrels. Jasper was say- ing that they were all full of something, but he had never opened any of them to find out. He had only discovered the existence of this part of the house about month before the old lady had passed away. Jasper had worked on the plantation all his life as had his father before him. As he grew older, he was quite the character to be seen walking the grounds in his old Colonel Sanders white suit and ten gallon hat. The old lady had liked him and befriended him as he grew up and he was one of the few people to see her in her reclining years. When he told her about the secret attic, she had told him it was his for all the loyal service he had given to her over the years. She had even contacted a lawyer and had her will modified to reflect the gift. Jasper didn't know what to do with the find and had pondered it's future until today when he saw Skylar and Reed show up by the Edsel. He told them he had seen pictures of some of the boys from the first gen- eration family to occupy the place and Skylar and Reed looked almost identical to two of them. That was when he decided that if they came into the house looking around, he would show them his find and let them offer him a price for it. 'Well,' said Reed. 'I don't really know what to say about all this. It is possible that there might not be anything here but junk. Would you be willing to open up some of it so we could make a better offer?' 'No!' says Jasper. 'I found it as it is. I will sell it as it is, good or bad. You decide. Do you want to take a chance or let it pass. I just have a feeling you won't regret your decision.' Reed and Skylar thought about it for awhile and looked over all the stash. 'I don't really have any idea what could be here but I was wondering, Jasper, do you have any idea what you want for it?' asks Reed. 'No I don't!' says Jasper. I don't need much. I've lived on this estate all my life and don't think I will be around much longer. If your offer sounds good to me, I'll accept it. If not, we can still part as amiable friends and I won't think the less of you.' 'Well, okay.' says Reed. I'll shoot a figure at you and you let me know if I've insulted you or if I am any where's close to what you think you want.' Reed had no idea what he was going to say, but he said a silent prayer for guidance and the amount, $10,000.00 popped into his head. 'Would you take $10,000.00 for it all?' he asks. 'Done!' says Jasper with a big grin! 'I knew you guys were the right ones the moment I laid eyes on ya!' --------------------------- M3 and M4 characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!