NBC Chicago

When opening a book donated to the Porter County Public Library last week, an employee found it hollowed out with a historic-looking handgun inside.

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- There's quite a tale that goes with a book donated to the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library this week, and it's got nothing to do with fiction.

An employee cracking open a copy of Robert Stone's "Outbridge Reach" found the book hollowed out with a historic-looking handgun inside, Valparaiso police said.

Read the original report  |  More from NBCChicago.com

The weapon was described by police as a gold, wooden handle, A.S.M. brand, .31-caliber, single shot, black powder gun.

Due to the volume of donations received by the library, officials said there's no way to know from whom the book came.

Police said, however, the gun hadn't been reported stolen.