“Well, sir, it cows them more than anything.”
“Where are your dark cells?”
“They are down below, sir. You can look at them after the kitchen.”
“I must go into the town,” said Mr. Lepel, looking at his watch. “I promised to dine with my relations at three o'clock.”
“Come and see the oubliettes first. We have seen everything else.”
“With all my heart!”
They descended below the ground-floor, and then Evans unlocked a massive tight-fitting door opening upon what appeared to be a black substance; this was, however, no substance—but vacancy without any degree of light. The light crossing the threshold from the open door seemed to cut a slice out of it.
The newcomers looked into it. Mr. Lepel with grim satisfaction, the other with awe and curiosity.
“When shall you be back, Lepel?” inquired he thoughtfully.
“Oh, before nine o'clock.”