The solid hearthstone in front of the fire-place turned slowly at the feet of the two men, and disclosed a dark cavity below.

At the same moment, the strange and sickening combination of odours, hitherto associated with the vaults of the old palace and with the bed-chamber beneath, now floated up from the open recess, and filled the room.
The manager started back.

'Good God, Mr.Westwick!' he exclaimed, 'what does this mean ?' Remembering, not only what his brother Francis had felt in the room beneath, but what the experience of Agnes had been on the previous night, Henry was determined to be on his guard.

'I am as much surprised as you are,' was his only reply.
'Wait for me one moment, sir,' said the manager.

'I must stop the ladies and gentlemen outside from coming in.' He hurried away--not forgetting to close the door after him.