History

This novel begins with the Small family moving to a house in Ohio based on the fact that the house is of historical significance. The house is once an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Mr. Small learns about the house through a foundation that cares for historical sites such as this one. Mr. Small chooses to move to the house based almost solely on its historical worth. However, the house is also thought to be haunted, a fact that both intrigues and causes suspicion in Mr. Small. The idea also excites Mr. Small's son, Thomas.

When the Small family arrives at the house, they begin to explore the tunnels and hidden rooms throughout the house that were used to conceal the runaway slaves. At the same time, these same tunnels are used against the Smalls as the Darrows break in and try to scare them away. In...