assed into a broad
stone passage, which was many yards in length and led to a staircase at
the foot of the great tower at the south end. As they passed along the
passage, they saw a number of rooms on either side, which were all in
semi-darkness, being lighted only by narrow loopholes in the outer
walls, yet there was sufficient light to show them that they were all
well filled with what appeared to be chests, boxes and packages, but the
ladies were too much fatigued to make any examination of them. They
observed that the walls were all of rough stone, but there was no
feeling of dampness. On reaching the staircase, Mrs. Carleton discovered
some inscriptions cut deep into the wall.

"What is this, Miss Vyvyan? I see it is not Greek or Latin or Hebrew. I
never saw any characters like these."

"They are runic," replied Anna. "I should not know what they are, only
that I have seen them on old ruins in Norway. Do you think we are in
Norway? This old castle is very much like buildings I have seen there."

Mrs. Carleton, who was an excellent botanist, again referred to the
trees and plants which they had seen as they came up from the beach.

"Those fall asters," she said, "and the species of golden-rod are both
of northern growth, but I cannot in the least feel sure of our
whereabouts. It scarcely seems probable that we shall find the means of
getting away from this place very soon, for there is no evidence of any
commerce here, and as far as I can judge, nothing for merchants or
traders to come for. I do not say this to dishearten you, Miss Vyvyan,
but I feel it right that we should speak openly and honestly to each
other."

"I understand you," replied Anna, "you do not wish to fill my
imagination with false hopes; it is good, and kind, and sensible, and I
thank you for speaking as you have done. I feel myself that this is no
time for dreaming, and I do not any longer care to indulge in it. All I
care for, is to lead an earnest, true life in whatever position Fate may
place me. If we are destined to remain together, you shall see."

The ladies had now ascended the winding stone staircase as far as the
top of the first flight from the ground. From the stairs, they stepped
into a corridor with a stone floor and bare stone walls, somewhat
similar to the one below, but wider and well lighted. From this
corridor, branched off other passages and staircases, leading both above
and below, and numberless rooms of all kinds, the