"We can show you no further without permission," said the spokesman. "I will tell the master you are here, and see if he will receive you."
Accordingly he went away, while the other stood at some little distance watching us.
"I've caught your mystery fever," said Will. "I'm longing to get inside now; but what excuse are you going to make for intruding?"
"I've settled that," I replied. "Our visit is an ordinary one, and I shall tell no lies."
I had scarcely spoken when the man returned, telling us to follow him, as his master would see us.
A minute later we stood within the silent walls of Trewinion Manor.
II
There was a cold vault-like atmosphere within the place, and as we went along the dark corridors, every footstep sounding on the granite floor and echoing through the great empty house, I felt like shuddering.
Outside the sun was shining and the west wind blowing, making everything bright and glad; but within all was cold and forbidding.
Still we followed the man curiously, and I must confess I felt my heart beat loudly against my ribs as he knocked at a dark, forbidding looking door. I do not think I am usually nervous, but on this occasion I was getting excited.