"Well, not exactly," I answered, emulating his calm; "it was in charge of a man called Strent, and his daughter."

"This is news to me. I was always under the impression that the Fen Inn was quite deserted."

"You have not been near it lately?"

"No! Nobody goes near it. They say it is haunted."

"Pshaw," I answered angrily, "an old wife's tale. And yet," I added, after a moment's thought, "it may well be haunted after what took place there last night."

"This begins to grow interesting," said Felix. "Had you an adventure?"

"Yes! I met with your brother."

"Impossible! My brother Felix is in Paris."

"I am talking of Francis."

"Francis!" he repeated, with a disagreeable smile. "Francis! Well, Denham! I am Francis."