per, and the world has a right to demand, will be
made--in a spirit, I hope, as earnest and devout as your own. And if
after that no shadow of explanation is forthcoming, and no peril to life
can be discovered, then I should feel disposed to consider your views
more seriously--with many reserves, however. At any rate, it will be
your turn then, if you still adhere to your opinions; and I am sure
all just persons who hear of your purpose would join their prayers with
you."

"Your faith is weak, though you believe it strong," answered the other.

And he was equally curt when the physician advised him to take a
sleeping-draught before retiring. He bade them "Good-night" without
more words, and went to his room, while after further conversation, Dr.
Mannering and Mr. Prodgers took their leave.

The former strongly urged Sir Walter to set some sort of guard outside
the door of the Grey Room.

"That man's not wholly sane to-night," he declared, "and he appears to
glory in the fact that he isn't. He must surely be aware that much he
said was superstitious bosh. Look after him. Guard his own apartment.
That will be the simplest plan."

When they had gone, Sir Walter addressed his nephew. They went upstairs
together and stood for a moment outside the Grey Room. The door was wide
open, and the place brilliantly lighted by a high-powered bulb. So had
it been by night ever since the disaster. None of the household entered
it, and none, save Sir Walter or Henry, was willing to do so until more
should be known.

"I have your word of honor you will not go into that room to-night,"
said his uncle; "but such is the mental condition of this poor clergyman
that I can but feel Mannering is right. May might, from some fancied
call of the spirit, take the law into his own hands and do what he
wishes to do. This must be prevented at any cost. I will ask you, Henry,
to follow the doctor's suggestion on my behalf, and keep guard over him.
Oppose him actively if he should appear, and call me. I would suggest
that Caunter or Masters accompanied you, but that is only to make gossip
and mystery."

"On no account. I'll look after him. You can trust me. I expect he's
pretty worn out after such a harrowing day, poor old beggar. He'll
probably sleep soundly enough when he gets to bed."

"I trust so. I cannot offer to aid you myself, for I am dead beat," said
the other.

Then they parted, and the younger presently took up a position in the
w