behind. Shadows danced on the walls and lurked in the corners as they
proceeded. At the end of the passage they found a second staircase, and
ascending it slowly gained the first floor.

"Careful!" said Meagle, as they gained the landing.

He held the candle forward and showed where the balusters had broken
away. Then he peered curiously into the void beneath.

"This is where the tramp hanged himself, I suppose," he said
thoughtfully.

"You've got an unwholesome mind," said White, as they walked on. "This
place is qutie creepy enough without your remembering that. Now let's
find a comfortable room and have a little nip of whiskey apiece and a
pipe. How will this do?"

He opened a door at the end of the passage and revealed a small square
room. Meagle led the way with the candle, and, first melting a drop or
two of tallow, stuck it on the mantelpiece. The others seated themselves
on the floor and watched pleasantly as White drew from his pocket a small
bottle of whiskey and a tin cup.

"H'm! I've forgotten the water," he exclaimed. "I'll soon get some,"
said Meagle.

He tugged violently at the bell-handle, and the rusty jangling of a bell
sounded from a distant kitchen. He rang again.

"Don't play the fool," said Barnes roughly.