"Perhaps there's a spring," suggested Olive, and began to feel among the carvings of the mantelpiece with deft fingers. The attempt proved successful, for by chance her fingers came in contact with the spring; there was a click as she pressed it, almost involuntarily, and the three present gave a cry of surprise as the whole of the grate swung round upon a central pivot, disclosing the space beyond.
"I knew I was right," cried Teddy in ecstasy, "this leads to some secret chamber, and I would not be surprised if we found Adrian Lancaster a prisoner below."
Olive turned pale as he lighted the candle and bending down crept into the black cavity. At first she feared to follow in his steps, but her love for Adrian prevailed and she cautiously entered also. Dentham, who was shaking in every limb with terror at this strange discovery, remained in the room, but when Teddy and his companion disappeared down the narrow steps his curiosity got the better of his fear and he groped his way in the same direction.
"Is this the secret chamber?" asked Olive in a disappointed tone, when they found themselves in the square vault.
"I don't think so," replied Teddy doubtfully, holding the candle above his head, "or surely Roversmire would have made it more comfortable."
"There may be another door," suggested Miss Maunders hopefully, "examine the walls."
Teddy did so, and running his hand rapidly down on the smooth surface of the stone, he felt a round button which he pressed with all his strength and immediately the blank wall before them seemed to disappear, showing only a dense black space.
"Dentham," cried Teddy on seeing this, "go and get more candles or a lamp." Upon which Dentham sped rapidly up the steps without being required to be told twice.
"Adrian," cried Olive peering forward into the darkness, dimly lighted by the glimmer of the candle, "are you there?"
No voice answered, and in vague terror the girl caught Teddy by the hand.