Mark reached the edge of the old stone well and gasped for air in the heat.
The heavy iron crank handle was turning slowly, creaking under the weight of the thick chain.
He looked down into the pitch black opening and saw nothing but dark shadows.
Mark: Lily! Are you down there?
A faint, muffled cry bounced off the wet stone walls deep within the dark earth.
Mark grabbed the wooden handle with both hands and began turning it with all his strength.
The heavy metal bucket felt remarkably heavy as it moved upward link by link.
His muscles burned, but he refused to stop pulling the thick rusted iron chain.
Finally, the top of the dark metal bucket emerged into the bright Texas daylight.
Inside the bucket sat little Lily, her eyes wide with terror and swimming in big tears.
Thick gray adhesive tape was pulled tightly over her small mouth to keep her quiet.
Mark reached down into the well and lifted his shaking daughter out onto the grass.
Mark: You are safe now, sweetie. Daddy has got you.
He carefully peeled the harsh tape from her soft face, his own hands trembling violently.
Lily wrapped her small arms around his neck and began to sob uncontrollably against his shoulder.
Lily: Daddy! I was so scared in the dark down there!
Mark: Who put you in that bucket, Lily? Tell me right now!
Lily: Grandmama Margarethe put the tape on me and lowered me down!
Mark felt a wave of icy fury rush through his veins as he held her tight.
Lily: Daddy, there is a terrifying well at the bottom of the well!
Mark pulled back slightly and looked directly into his daughter's frightened young eyes.
Mark: What do you mean, Lily? What did you see down at the bottom?
Lily: The bottom is not dirt, Daddy. It opens into a giant secret stone room!
Mark turned his head slowly and saw Margarethe standing near the edge of the patio.