He was on a narrow staircase. There were but ten steps and then he found himself between two stone walls with the roof just above his head. Not caring to take another drop into the unknown, he advanced slowly, taking no step until he was sure of it.
Presently he came to a turn and then another. He could now see a light shining ahead, coming from under a heavy wooden door. The barrier was tightly closed. He tried it softly, to find it fastened on the other side.
There was a strange whirr and a clicking in the apartment beyond, as if some machinery was in motion. But then came a loud voice and the other sounds stopped. By getting down on his hands and knees Adam Adams was enabled to hear nearly all that was said in the place beyond the barred door.
"I will listen to reports," said a voice which sounded much like that of Matlock Styles. "Number One, have you performed the ghostly manifestations?"
"I have, chief," was the answer.
"Did you notice anything unusual?"
"A boy and a girl on the other side of the river ran away as if the Old
Nick were after them."
"Anything else?"
"No, but it's Number Three's turn after tonight."
"Very well; Number Three, take notice of that. Number Two, there are but six of you here to-night. What of the other two?"