“The old porter was struck almost dumb with surprise.
“The bell was not touched by anything that he could see, and yet its harsh grating sound thrilled him.
“‘Ghosts!’ he cried, and hurried away to inform his master of the strange occurrence.
“‘What means this noise at such an unseemly hour of the night?’ said Lord Edward, sternly.
“‘I know not my lord,’ was the answer; ‘but all in the castle are in commotion and fear.’
“‘Get you gone, knave,’ said Warbeck, ‘and let’s hear no more of such silly nonsense.’
“The porter went his way, and Lord Edward walked about his room in a state of mental excitement.
“‘What means this tolling of the bells?’ said he, half-aloud.
“‘I can explain,’ said a voice near to him.
“Lord Edward turned suddenly around, and to his horror, he saw standing before him a ghastly skeleton form.