voice," said Meagle. "To-morrow----"

He started up with a smothered exclamation as the light went out suddenly
and something struck him on the head. The others sprang to their feet.
Then Meagle laughed.

"It's the candle," he exclaimed. "I didn't stick it enough."

Barnes struck a match and relighting the candle stuck it on the
mantelpiece, and sitting down took up his cards again.

"What was I going to say?" said Meagle. "Oh, I know; to-morrow I----"

"Listen!" said White, laying his hand on the other's sleeve. "Upon my
word I really thought I heard a laugh."

"Look here!" said Barnes. "What do you say to going back? I've had
enough of this. I keep fancying that I hear things too; sounds of
something moving about in the passage outside. I know it's only fancy,
but it's uncomfortable."

"You go if you want to," said Meagle, "and we will play dummy. Or you
might ask the tramp to take your hand for you, as you go downstairs."

Barnes shivered and exclaimed angrily. He got up and, walking to the
half-closed door, listened.

"Go outside," said Meagle, winking at the other two. "I'll dare you to
go down to the hall door and back by yourself."