But Alex called out, “Go along, Von, and help her; that’ll be the best way. Good gracious! she’s in such a state of mind, because you are noticing her and bolstering her up, that she will fall, as likely as not, going down those slippery backstairs. Go along with her, old chap, and help her.”
“Yes, come,” I said, for I could not resist it.
So Von Marlo and I found ourselves in the big hall; then he took my hand and we went along the passage, and then down another passage, and then we opened a door and I called to Hannah.
“Hannah, are you downstairs?”
We were looking into pitch-black darkness, but we heard a muffled voice say, “Yes, Miss Rachel? Sakes alive! What’s wanted now?”
Then Hannah appeared at the foot of the stairs, holding a lighted candle.
“I’m coming down,” I said, “and I’m bringing a gentleman with me.”
Hannah very nearly fell in her amazement, but I went steadily down, Von Marlo following me.
“It is a very old house,” I whispered, “and some people say it is haunted. But you are not afraid of ghosts, are you?”