“Did you find any thing?”
“Yes,” said the man, in a hollow voice.
“What?” cried all, in breathless suspense.
“You shall see. Bring lights here, somebody. It's getting too dark for this business.”
Hugo was at once dispatched to the Hall by Mrs. Dunbar for lights. There was by this time every necessity for them. Much time had been taken up with their preparations, and the shadows of evening had already gathered about them. While Hugo was gone they all questioned their companion, but he refused to say any thing.
“Don't ask me,” he replied. “Wait and see for yourselves.”
At this answer there was but one conviction in the minds of all, which was that the object of their search had been found. But there was now no further delay. Hugo soon returned with a lantern, and the man prepared to descend once more. The lantern he hung about his neck, and taking another piece of rope with him, the end of which was left with those above, he again went down. This time he was gone longer than before. Those above peering through the gloom could see a faint light far below, and the shadowy outline of their companion.
At length he began to ascent, and in due time reached the top.
“There,” said he; “you may pull on that line. I have fastened it so that it'll hold.”
Saying this, he flung himself exhausted on the grass, and unslung the lantern and unbound the rope.