doubtless be some ordinary circumstance; but none the less dangerous on
that account. Here we are at the gate. Now, be careful in all matters,
however small. To keep your head is half the battle."

There were a number of men in livery in the hall when they arrived. The
doors of the drawing-room were thrown open, and Lady Arabella came forth
and offered them cordial welcome. This having been got over, Lady
Arabella led them into another room where tea was served.

Adam was acutely watchful and suspicious of everything, and saw on the
far side of this room a panelled iron door of the same colour and
configuration as the outer door of the room where was the well-hole
wherein Oolanga had disappeared. Something in the sight alarmed him, and
he quietly stood near the door. He made no movement, even of his eyes,
but he could see that Sir Nathaniel was watching him intently, and, he
fancied, with approval.

They all sat near the table spread for tea, Adam still near the door.
Lady Arabella fanned herself, complaining of heat, and told one of the
footmen to throw all the outer doors open.

Tea was in progress when Mimi suddenly started up with a look of fright
on her face; at the same moment, the men became cognisant of a thick
smoke which began to spread through the room--a smoke which made those
who experienced it gasp and choke. The footmen began to edge uneasily
towards the inner door. Denser and denser grew the smoke, and more acrid
its smell. Mimi, towards whom the draught from the open door wafted the
smoke, rose up choking, and ran to the inner door, which she threw open
to its fullest extent, disclosing on the outside a curtain of thin silk,
fixed to the doorposts. The draught from the open door swayed the thin