total and complete, such a
darkness as seems as if it could be felt--palpable, thick, and obscure
as the darkness of the tomb, and I know what that is."

"The devil you do!" said this admiral "It's damp, too, ain't it?"

"The room?"

"No; the grave."

"Oh! uncommonly, after autumnal rains. But to resume--this room is
large, lofty, and perfectly empty."

"Well?"

"I propose that we procure two scythes."

"Two what?"

"Scythes, with their long handles, and their convenient holding places."

"Well, I'll be hanged! What next do you propose?"

"You may be hanged. The next is, that with these scythes we be both of
us placed in the darkened room, and the door closed, and doubly locked
upon us for one hour, and that then and there we do our best each to cut
the other in two. If you succeed in dismembering me, you will have won
the day; but I hope, from my superior agility"--here Sir Francis jumped
upon his chair, and sat upon the back of it--"to get the better or you.
How do you like the plan I have proposed? Does it meet your wishes?"

"Curse your impudence!" said the admiral, placing his elbows upon the
table and resting his chin in astonishment upon his two hands.

"Nay," interrupted Sir Francis, "you challenged me; and, besides, you'll
have an equal chance, you know that. If you succeed in striking me
first, down I go; whereas it I succeed in striking you first, down you
go."

As he spoke, Sir Francis Varney stretched out his foot, and closed a
small bracket which held out the flap of the table on which the admiral
was leaning, and, accordingly, down the admiral went, tea-tray and all.

Mr. Chillingworth ran to help him up, and, when they both recovered
their feet, they found they were alone.

CHAPTER LXI.

THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER.--THE PARTICULARS OF THE SUICIDE AT BANNERWORTH
HALL.

[Illustration]

"Hilloa where the deuce is he?" said the admiral. "Was there ever such a
confounded take-in?"

"Well, I really don't know," said Mr. Chillingworth; "but it seems to me
that he must have gone out of that door that was behind him: I begin, do
you know, admiral, to wish--"

"What?"

"That we had never come here at all; and I think the sooner we get out
of it the better."

"Yes; but I am not going to be hoaxed and humbugged in this way. I will
have satisfaction, but not with those confounded scythes and things he
talks about in the dark room. Give me broad daylight and no favour;
yardarm and y