d under the
influence of another's will. Suddenly the road stopped, and they found
themselves at the gates of Skene.

'Follow me very closely,' said Arthur.

He turned on one side, and they followed a paling. Susie could feel that
they walked along a narrow path. She could see hardly two steps in front
of her. At last he stood still.

'I came here earlier in the night and made the opening easier to get
through.'

He turned back a broken piece of railing and slipped in. Susie followed,
and Dr Porhoet entered after her.

'I can see nothing,' said Susie.

'Give my your hand, and I will lead you.'

They walked with difficulty through the tangled bracken, among closely
planted trees. They stumbled, and once Dr Porhoet fell. It seemed that
they went a long way. Susie's heart beat fast with anxiety. All her
weariness was forgotten.

Then Arthur stopped them, and he pointed in front of him. Through an
opening in the trees, they saw the house. All the windows were dark
except those just under the roof, and from them came bright lights.

'Those are the attics which he uses as a laboratory. You see, he is
working now. There is no one else in the house.'

Susie was curiously fascinated by the flaming lights. There was an awful
mystery in those unknown labours which absorbed Oliver Haddo night after
night till the sun rose. What horrible things were done there, hidden
from the eyes of men? By himself in that vast house the madman performed
ghastly experiments; and who could tell what dark secrets he trafficked
in?

'There is no danger that he will come out,' said Arthur. 'He remains
there till the break of day.'

He took her hand again and led her on. Back they went among the trees,
and presently they were on a pathway. They walked along with greater
safety.

'Are you all right, Porhoet?' asked Arthur.

'Yes.'

But the trees grew thicker and the night more sombre. Now the stars were
shut out, and they could hardly see in front of them.

'Here we are,' said Arthur.

They stopped, and found that there was in front of them a green space
formed by four cross-ways. In the middle a stone bench gleamed vaguely
against the darkness.

'This is where Margaret sat when last I saw her.'

'I can see to do nothing here,' said the doctor.

They had brought two flat bowls of brass to serve as censers, and these
Arthur gave to Dr Porhoet. He stood by Susie's side while the doctor
busied himself with his preparations. They