It creaked on its hinges, with a harsh noise, as if forboding some calamity.
They all went up a few steps, looking cautiously around them, and came at last to a small apartment on the first floor.
This was to be the scene of action.
The landlord in a moment raised a sparkling flame on the hearth, and placed a table near it, with the refreshments already described upon it.
After having made his guests as comfortable as the place would allow, the host departed with his companions.
The young officer let them out with strict injunctions to the landlord to take great care of his horses; then, shutting the door, he put the key in his pocket, and prepared himself to meet with courage whatever might happen.
Young midshipman (or as he now was Lieutenant) Ned’s first step was to search the apartment.
But all his own and Master Tim’s endeavours to find an intruder were useless.
Three cupboards were divested of their contents, and the old tapestry, which served as wainscoting, was lifted up.
But all to no purpose.