“That is the most violent and far-fetched theory of the mystery. Nothing but our desperate need of an elucidation could excuse its being put forward,” said Captain Pendleton, drily. Then he spoke more earnestly: “Berners, whatever may be the true explanation of all that we have experienced here, one thing seems certain: that your retreat here is known to at least one person, who may or may not be inimical to your interests. Now my advice to you is still the same. Stop this girl the first time you see her again, and compel her to give an account of herself. Conceal your names and stations from her, if possible, and in any case bribe her to silence upon the subject of your abode here. If it were prudent, I should counsel you to leave this chapel for some other place of concealment; but really there seems now more danger in moving than in keeping still. So I reiterate my advice, that you shall enlist this strange girl in your interests.”
“But before cooking your hare, you must catch it,” said Sybil. “We may see this visitant a dozen times more, but we will never be able to stop her. She appears and vanishes! Is seen and gone in an instant! But, Captain Pendleton, I will tell you what I wish you to do for me.”
“I will do anything in the world that you wish, except believe in ghosts.”
“Then you will bring me a crowbar, or whatever the tool or tools may be with which strong doors may be forced. I want that grated iron door forced open, that we may go down into that vault and see what it holds.”
“Good Heavens Mrs. Berners!” he exclaimed, striking a theatrical attitude.
|
“‘Would’st bid me burst The loathsome charnel-house, and Spread a pestilence?’” |
“I want to see what is in it; and I will,” persisted Sybil.
“Bring the tools when you come again, Pendleton, and we will open the door, and examine the vault,” added Mr. Berners.
“Ugh! you will find it full of coffins and skeletons—
|
“‘And mair o’ horrible and awfu’ Whilk e’en to name wad be unlawfu’.’” |