n I
knew I was to pass this way, I said to myself I shall certainly stop at
the old inn with the secret chamber in it, but I did not think I should
be the first one to disclose its secret to the present generation. But
my information seems to affect you strangely. Is it such a disturbing
thing to find that one's house has held a disused spot within it, that
might have been made useful if you had known of its existence?"

I could not answer. I was enveloped in a strange horror, and was only
conscious of the one wish--that Burritt had lived to help me through the
dreadful hour I saw before me.

"Let us see if my information has been correct," continued Mr. Tamworth.
"Perhaps there has been some mistake. The secret chamber, if there is
one, should be behind this chimney. Shall I hunt for an opening?"

I managed to shake my head. I had not strength for the experiment yet. I
wanted to prepare myself.

"Tell me first how you heard about this room?" I entreated.

He drew his chair nearer to mine with the greatest courtesy.

"There is no reason why I should not tell you," replied he, "and as I
see that you are in no mood for a long story, I shall make my words as
few as possible. Some years ago I had occasion to spend a night in an
inn not unlike this, on Long Island. I was alone, but there was a merry
crowd in the tap room, and being fond of good company, I presently found
myself joining in the conversation. The talk was of inns, and many a
stirring story of adventure in out-of-the-way taverns did I listen to
that night before the clock struck twelve. Each man present had some
humorous or thrilling experience to relate, with the exception of a
certain glum and dark-browed gentleman, who sat somewhat apart from the
rest, and who said nothing. His reticence was in such marked contrast to
the volubility about him that he finally attracted universal attention,
and more than one of the merry-makers near him asked if he had not some
anecdote to add to the rest. But though he replied with sufficient
politeness, it was evident that he had no intention of dropping his
reserve, and it was not till the party had broken up and the room was
nearly cleared that he deigned to address any one. Then he turned to me,
and with a very peculiar smile, remarked:

"'A dull collection of tales, sir. Bah! if they had wanted to hear of
an inn that was really romantic, I could have told them--'

"'What?' I involuntarily ejaculated. 'You will not