ng
out to go straight on toward the inn; then, recollecting himself, he
turned to help his sister alight.

But he was too late. Percy Guest had performed that duty, and the lady
took his arm and followed the admiral on into the calm silence of the
old inn, past the porter's lodge, unnoticed by its occupant; then on
across the square, under its shady plane trees, toward the fine old red
brick mansion in the corner, with its iron lamp support and curious old
link extinguishers on either side.

The place was utterly deserted, and so still that the creaking of the
admiral's new boots sounded loud and strange, while as they mounted the
worn steps and entered the gloomy hall of the old place it struck chilly
and damp, while the great stone staircase had a look that seemed
forbidding and strange.

"You have brought us here," said Sir Mark, stopping short at the foot of
the stairs. "Go first."

He gave place to Guest, who led Miss Jerrold on and up the two flights
to the broad landing, upon which the doors of Brettison's and Stratton's
chambers opened.

"One moment while I get my breath," panted Miss Jerrold; "I'm not so
young as I used to be, Mr Guest."

The admiral frowned, and stood scowling at the legend on the door, but
it seemed cold and blank now, for there was no ray of sunshine to make
the letters stand out clear. All looked murky and grim, and the utter
silence of the place was impressive as that of a tomb.

As they stood there on the landing Guest hesitated for a moment or two,
an undefinable feeling of dread having attacked him; there was a curious
ringing in the ears, and his heart beat with a heavy throb.

He was brought back to his duty by the cold, stern voice of the admiral.

"Well, Mr Guest," he said again with a cold formality of tone, "you
have brought us here,"--and he waved his hand toward the door.

Guest sprang forward, knocked sharply, and stood back to wait, while
Miss Jerrold drew a long, hissing breath, perfectly audible in the
silence.

There was no response, and the chirping of the inn sparrows came
painfully loud through an open window somewhere above.

"What a dismal place for a man to choose," muttered Miss Jerrold. "Had
you not better knock again?"

Guest repeated the summons, and the admiral leaned forward, listening
attentively.

Still there was no reply; and, growing agitated now, Guest once more
knocked loudly, with the repetition of the knocker, telling plainly of
th