“Yes, dear Mrs. Berners; since I promised to bring it, I felt bound to do so; though I hope you will not really have it put to use.”
“Just as soon as supper is over, I will have that door forced open. I will see what that mysterious vault holds,” said Sybil, firmly.
And she almost kept her word.
As soon as they had finished the evening meal, she arose and called upon the gentlemen to go with her and force the door of the vault.
And they went and inserted the crowbar between the grating and the stonework, and wrenched with all their united strength; but their efforts availed nothing, even to move the door.
They gave over their exertions to recover their breath, and when they had got it they began again with renewed vigor; but with no better success. Again they stopped to breathe, and again they re-commenced the task with all their might; but after working as hard as they could for fifteen minutes longer, they again ceased from sheer exhaustion, leaving the door as fast as they had found it.
“It is of no use to try longer, Sybil. We cannot force it,” said Mr. Berners.
“I see that you cannot. The vault keeps its secrets well,” she answered, solemnly.
And then they returned to their seats near the fire, and sat and talked over the projected journey until it was time for Captain Pendleton to go.
When the husband and wife were left alone, they felt themselves tired enough to go to rest, with a prospect of getting a good night’s sleep.