I had before noticed some pipes, which looked like the remains of an old organ, on the wall behind the niche where I supposed the miraculous image had stood. My uncle blew into one of these, producing a most dolorous sound between a whistle and a scream. I understood the matter at once. That was the ghost whose shrieks, heard at night, had made the place so dreadful.
"This pipe was a part, no doubt, of the machinery by which the miraculous virgin was made to play her part," said mine uncle. "But go you now, since the way is clear, and at midnight we will meet again."
I hurried home, but mistook my path again in the perturbation of my spirits, and came near getting bogged in a stream which I had to cross. However, I reached home at last, and was met at the door by Cicely, our old dairy maid—
"Dear me, Mistress Corbet, I wonder you dare be abroad so late. Why, Hodge heard a scream from the old cell, not an hour ago, which sent him home shaking like an ague. You are over venturesome, and will get a good fright some day, but, indeed, you look as if you had had that already."
"That I did, and lost my way, so I had to ford the Black brook, and a fine pickle I am in!" said I, showing her my wet feet and skirts. "I must change my hosen directly."
"That you must, but why did you not go back—only I dare say you were afraid!" said Cicely, being one of those convenient persons who always answer their own questions. "There, run up to your room, like a good young lady, and I will bring you a mug of hot drink, and tell the mistress you are safe, for she has been worrying about you. Had you not best go to your warm bed?"
"Oh no!" I answered. "I will but change my clothes, and I shall be none the worse. I dare say the mistress's ankle needs bandaging again."
For Mistress Yates had had the misfortune to wrench her ankle, and I had been trying my surgical skill thereon with very good results.
"Well, you are a good maid—young lady, I should say!" said Cicely, correcting herself, for she had lived in a great family, and prided herself on her knowledge of manners. "You are not one as thinkst first and always of herself. But don't you be out after dark—there's a good maid, and above all, don't go near the old chapel."
I hastened to change my dress, and to attend to my patient, who was doing well. Then seeking out Master Yates, I told him of my adventure.