"Just like Hereward!" exclaimed the sisters proudly.
Katrine led the way to the studio, and did the honours of the little spice cupboard.
"I didn't know when I bought it that it came originally from the Grange," she explained. "It had changed hands twice before I got possession of it."
"Githa and I spent half an hour or more over it yesterday, but we couldn't find any secret place," added Gwethyn.
Captain Ledbury had stooped down, and was making a careful examination. He pulled out all the small drawers, and felt carefully behind them.
"I dare say it's twenty years or more since my father showed me how this works. I've almost forgotten the trick. Which side was it, now? Right or left? Why, of course, I remember! You push both together. It's rather stiff. Right-o! It's moving. Oh, good biz!"
A thin panel of wood forming the back of the recess had slid aside, revealing a small door with a keyhole. It refused to open, and was evidently securely locked.
"With your permission, Miss Marsden, we shall have to do a little burgling," remarked Captain Ledbury. "Perhaps my penknife will serve as a 'jemmy'."
"Oh no, Uncle Frank!" cried Githa. "Don't force it! Wait half a moment. I've got it here in my pocket. Look! Try this—the key that I found inside the panel at the Grange. I've kept it most carefully, in case I should ever find what it belonged to."
"I believe you've solved the problem!" murmured her uncle.