After looking about the room, Ruthie made a list of what she saw. "Fireplace, trunk, bookcase, desk, table, door, painting." She said in a sing-songy voice. With a sudden burst of cheer, Ruthie skipped around the room. She stopped and posed like the man in the picture for a moment, then burst into a fit of giggles. She was starting to enjoy this place.

She grabbed a sheet from the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders then sat in front of the trunk. I wonder if it's locked? she thought, setting her hands on the lid.