"There is no Pycroft Hall now," said one presently, and his voice almost sank to a whisper as he spoke.
"No Pycroft Hall? Why I saw it not long since myself, and a gloomy old place I thought it was," I said.
"The devil hath blown it to atoms," said the man fearfully.
"You are but laughing at me," I cried.
"Nay, worshipful master, but we be not. It hath only happened of late that this hath come to pass."
"Since what hath come to pass?"
"We were speaking of it at the moment when you entered the room, young master, and not knowing how you might relish such talk, we e'en held our tongues."
"What talk?"
"Why, about the devil blowing up Pycroft Hall."
"If you know aught I should be glad to hear it. I love much such stories as you speak of."