“Just what I suspected,” Watch said. “This block can’t be frozen water. It must be some other substance, with a much lower freezing point. Hand me a couple of those logs, Cindy. We need a bigger fire if we’re going to get anywhere with this thing today.”

So Watch threw a couple of real logs on the fire. This wood took a few minutes to catch, but soon they had a roaring fire going. The smoke continued to gather beneath the branches, creating a black cloud that caused them all to start coughing. But now, finally, the block started to melt.

The liquid, as it dripped off, was a dull blue.

It puddled around Watch. Steam rose from it. Blue steam. It mingled with the black smoke, creating a ghostly color.

The block started to become clearer.

There was definitely something inside.

Humanoid shaped. It could be a man.

A very cold man.

“Watch,” Adam said softly. “I think maybe you should sit back with us.”

“Yeah,” Sally whispered. “I don’t like what I’m seeing.”

Watch shook his head. “I have to control the fire. I can’t burn him.”

“Is it a him?” Cindy gasped.

“I think so,” Watch said. “And if it is a person, he’s got to be dead. He can’t hurt us.”

“I wouldn’t necessarily make that statement about dead people in Spooksville,” Sally said.

The ice—or whatever it was—continued to thaw. A hand became visible inside the block, then an arm. The latter plopped out as the heat of the flames dug deeper into the block. The exposed flesh glistened in the light from the fire. Soon they were staring at a man. He was not naked but wore what looked like a blue jump suit. Yet his skin was very pale. Of course, he was a corpse—he was supposed to be pale.

“Is he alive?” Sally asked.

“He was frozen,” Cindy said. “He can’t be alive.” She paused. “Is he alive?”

Watch carefully poked his skin. “I don’t think so. He’s not moving or breathing and he’s too cold.”

“I don’t think you should touch him,” Adam said. “He might not like it.”

“Dead people don’t like or dislike anything,” Cindy said.

“I know a few dead people who have very specific tastes,” Sally said. “But I agree with Adam. Don’t touch him. You might catch some disease.”

Watch ignored them. He picked up the hand and studied the palm. “Incredible,” he whispered. “There are no lines on this hand. No prints on the fingers.”

“But aren’t fingerprints created in the womb?” Adam said.

“Yes,” Watch said. “I don’t think this creature was ever in one.”

“What are you saying?” Cindy demanded.