his household where strange lumber was kept. Several of the men spoke of
old Simon Chester as one who knew everything in and about the house.
Accordingly, he sent for the old man, who came at once. He was very old,
nearly ninety years of age, and very infirm. He had been born in the
Castle, and had served its succession of masters--present or absent--ever
since. When Edgar began to question him on the subject regarding which
he had sent for him, old Simon exhibited much perturbation. In fact, he
became so frightened that his master, fully believing that he was
concealing something, ordered him to tell at once what remained unseen,
and where it was hidden away. Face to face with discovery of his secret,
the old man, in a pitiable state of concern, spoke out even more fully
than Mr. Caswall had expected.

"Indeed, indeed, sir, everything is here in the tower that has ever been
put away in my time except--except--" here he began to shake and tremble
it--"except the chest which Mr. Edgar--he who was Mr. Edgar when I first
took service--brought back from France, after he had been with Dr.
Mesmer. The trunk has been kept in my room for safety; but I shall send
it down here now."

"What is in it?" asked Edgar sharply.

"That I do not know. Moreover, it is a peculiar trunk, without any
visible means of opening."

"Is there no lock?"

"I suppose so, sir; but I do not know. There is no keyhole."

"Send it here; and then come to me yourself."