He set the blade into the soil. The earth gave reluctantly, clods breaking apart with worms writhing in the light. Sweat gathered quickly despite the chill. Each strike of the shovel thudded with anticipation. His heart thumped louder. He was certain—this was the spot Henry had wanted him to find.
Minutes stretched into hours. The hole deepened, soil piled high around him. Roots clawed back at his progress. His arms ached, his breath grew ragged. But nothing surfaced—no box, no clue, just black earth and stubborn stones. His excitement dissolved into frustration. Had he misunderstood the cipher completely?