Measure of the earth, a

Appalling secrets lie beneath the civility of a small town. Two boys joined in an unlikely alliance confront a world of body snatching, terror, and murder. Nathan Pickerel?s difficulties adjusting to a new school lessen after Floyd Singletary, a gifted outcast, befriends him. The two boys hear tales from an old widow that set them on an exploration of Nathan?s new home ? an ancient two story house full of secrets. In an attempt to find money hidden in the house they soon turn up a mummified corpse in a retaining wall in the basement and expose themselves to evil forces that have remained dormant since the 1930s. In a showdown between the boys and a sadistic family of grave robbers who has laid claim to the missing money, Nathan is kidnapped and faced with torture. Floyd, unable to enlist the help of the police because of his reputation, saves Nathan through cunning and bravery. But Floyd is later convicted of murder. Only Floyd?s brilliance and Nathan?s loyalty remain to save him.