With the aid of Croak, Shalech climbs into the dust filled attic.  A quick look around reveals a small old upsidedown wooden crate against the far wall and a pile of ropes beneath a glassless window.

Urselles walks to the window and looks out of it 

Also with Croak's aid, Urselles climbs into the attic and heads over to the window.

It points to the north, you can see the tavern, the church, the zoo, Old Northbank, and a number of shops.  You also notice that the end of the rope is sticking out the window.

Shalech examines the end of the rope.  Is there any way it could be pulled out of the attic somehow from somewhere else?

Investigation: 16

Upon examining the rope's end, Shalech finds a thinner string tied to it.  Following the string you see that one end falls to the ground below, the other end goes up to a circular metal piece that the string appears to be put through before also dropping to the ground.  The metal piece appears much newer than the wall around it, though it too has started to rust over.

You believe this set up could be used to raise and lower the rope to the outside.

Showing the contraption to Urselles, Shalech muses, "I don't get it.  It's set up to be able to climb up to the attic of this house, but the front door wasn't even locked.  I suggest we cut the rope most of the way through.  Whoever tries to climb it may get a nasty fall.  Or we hunker down here waiting for whoever comes here at night and surprise them.  I would still like to know why they come to this house.  Wouldn't it be funny if it's just some horny kid coming to get a show from that illusion downstairs."

"I'm not so sure, the floor and whole house has been covered in dust, along with that the music box, the sword and the canten where still here, if someone was coming here I'd imagine they'd take at least take one of those things, also this system let's someone lower or raise the rope from the inside. It might be the thief but in all honesty he would have definitely taken something, I'm thinking we talk to Dad about what member of the wizards quild may have set up the illusion down stairs" Urselles says still thinking a bit 

Urselles, as you look away from the window to talk to Shalech, you notice that there is almost no dust on the small crate on the other side of the room.

"wait a minute" Urselles walks over to the undusted Crate "actually, we might have someone right here, Croak would you care to do the honors"

It becomes quickly apparent that Croak will not fit through the attic opening.  The crate is slightly shorter than Urselles in size.  

Upon walking closer, you see that the dust behind the crate has a crate shaped imprint.

Urselles pushes the crate down to Croak

As Urselles starts to push the crate, a rattling can be heard inside.  As the crate is pushed down the hole to Croak, it tips forward, revealing that there is no bottom to it.

Croak sits the box down and then looks up to a hoarde.  Before everyone, shining in magical light, are several precious gems and sparkling pieces of jewelry.

Shalech looks to the jewelry and says, "Ok, so the house is a stash.  I wonder if this is Tamm's?"

"Well this has turned out to be a pretty nice score. I say we take the goods and never mention it to anyone."

"Croak, for all we know someone legally owns this, do you want to become a criminal"

Shalech thinks out loud, "It would be pretty hard to find the owners.  Asking people 'Is this yours' isn't going to work."

“That’s not what I’m saying, I’m saying someone may own this and still come back to the house”

Shalech disagrees, "Not likely.  The attic is rigged to be able to climb into it from the outside and the house has been abandoned for quite some time.  The crate had no dust on it or around it.  Whoever put those in the crate, didn't walk through the front door.  This stuff has already been stolen."

“I suppose but, I’m just, fine. If there any diamonds I need those, the church can use those”

Upon closer examination you find four gems, a bracelet, a ring with a diamond attached, a necklace, a broach, and a hair pin.  The jewelry are all made with either silver or gold.