intents and purposes the butt
was kept full of water, and could be apparently emptied from a
tap at its base, which, of course, was raised from the ground
to admit the fugitive. We understand such a butt is still in
existence somewhere in Yorkshire.

A "secret staircase" in Partingdale House, Mill Hill, is associated
(by tradition) with the notorious Dick Turpin, perhaps because of
its proximity to his haunts upon Finchley Common. As it exists
now, however, there is no object for secrecy, the staircase leading
merely to the attics, and its position can be seen; but the door
is well disguised in a Corinthian column containing a secret
spring. Various alterations have taken place in this house, so
once upon a time it may have had a deeper meaning than is now
perceptible.

Another supposed resort of this famous highwayman is an old ivy-grown
cottage at Thornton Heath. Narrow steps lead up from the open
chimney towards a concealed door, from which again steps descend
and lead to a subterranean passage having an exit in the garden.

[Illustration: BOVEY HOUSE, SOUTH DEVON]

[Illustration: MAPLEDURHAM HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE]

We do not intend to go into the matter of modern secret chambers,
and there are such things, as some of our present architects and
builders could tell us, for it is no uncommon thing to design
hiding-places for the security of valuables. For instance, we
know of a certain suburban residence, built not more than thirty
years ago, where one of the rooms has capacities for swallowing
up a man six feet high and broad in proportion. We have known such
a person--or shall we say victim?--to appear after a temporary
absence, of say, five minutes, with visible signs of discomfort;
but as far as we are aware the secret is as safe in his keeping
as is the famous mystery in the possession of the heir of Glamis.

An example of a sliding panel in an old house in Essex (near
Braintree) was used as a pattern for the entrance to a modern
secret chamber;[1] and no doubt there are many similar instances
where the ingenuity of our ancestors has thus been put to use
for present-day requirements.

[Footnote 1: According to the newspaper reports, the recently
recovered "Duchess of Devonshire," by Gainsborough, was for some
time secreted behind a secret panel in a sumptuous steam-launch
up the river Thames, from whence it was removed to America in
a trunk with a false bottom.]

Our collection of houses with hiding-hole