"plenty of cheek," while I waited,
somewhat anxiously, I confess, for an answer.

Presently I heard a murmur of voices within, and then the withdrawing
of bolts. After a few seconds the door turned on its rusty hinges and
revealed two men both about fifty years of age.

"What do you want?" asked one sternly.

"I want to see Squire Trewinion," I replied boldly. I felt it would be
of no use hesitating, and although I had no earthly business there I
determined to get admittance.

"Why do you wish to see him?" was the next question.

"I will answer that to Mr. Trewinion himself," I said.

"Your names, then?"

"They are unknown to you," I replied, "and my telling them could serve
no purpose. Lead the way to your master."

They looked at us suspiciously; but seeing two young men, well dressed
and with plenty of assurance, they seemed inclined to let us in.
Consequently a minute after we stood within the walls that surrounded
this place of evil repute, the door being carefully locked behind us.

The two men, evidently servants, led the way up an unused road, by
which we reached the tower entrance. Neither spoke a word.

On coming close to Trewinion Manor we found that it was built of
granite, and had evidently been standing for hundreds of years. The
stones of the doorways were curiously carved, and even the exterior of
the place looked as though it contained a hundred secrets. It was
large, too, and must at some time have been the home of people of
wealth.

The view was wonderful. In front of us stretched the mighty Atlantic,
whose murmuring song told of the peaceful waves that now splashed on
the shore. I had seen the Atlantic in a tempest, however, and so could
easily fancy what a sight there must be when the waters beneath were
lashed into fury by great storm clouds.

Arrived at the door, our guides stopped.

"We can show you no further without permission," said the spokesman.
"I will tell the master you are here, and see if he will receive you."

Accordingly he went away, while the other stood at some little distance
watching us.

"I've caught your mystery fever," said Will. "I'm longing to get
inside now; but what excuse are you going to make for intruding?"

"I've settled that," I replied. "Our visit is an ordinary one, and I
shall tell no lies."

I had scarcely spoken when the man returned, telling us to follow him,
as his master would see us.

A minute later we stood within the silent