He halted at the foot of the steps, and said, regretfully:
“Miss Douglas, nothing but necessity would ever compel me to bring a delicate lady into such a dreadful place; and now, if I can only persuade you to put your hand upon my arm, and close your eyes, I will guide you safely through this vault, and you need never realize what is in it.”
She laid her hand lightly upon his arm, and he thrilled at the touch.
It was a new and strange experience for the lonely boy, and one which he long lived upon in remembrance.
The abode of the dead was soon traversed, and they came to still another flight of steps.
Herbert Randal, mounting them first, lifted a trapdoor, and setting his candle down, reached his hand to Brownie, and in another moment she was standing safe, but nearly exhausted, within the altar of the chapel.
The young man made her sit down and rest, while he talked cheerfully and interestingly of the place, hoping thus to turn her mind from the horrors through which they had just passed.
After a while he arose, crossed the channel, and led the way to a small side door, whose key was in the lock.
This he turned and pushed the door open, letting in the fresh breath of morning.
The relief which Brownie experienced was expressed by a long-drawn sigh, and, looking up into her companion’s face, she smiled a wan, forced smile, as she said: