look in his secret room."

"No, Sister Anne, No! I dare not," and Mrs. Fatima shrank back full of
fear from the imaginary door. "Urge me no more. I am afraid."

"But, Mother," cried Virgie, with a little squeal of disappointment.
"You _have_ to. It's part of the play," and she led her up to the
invisible door.

"Now look in--and when you look--drop the keys--an' we'll both scream."

Slowly the door seemed to open and, after an instant's terrified
silence, both actresses screamed with complete success. Whereupon Mrs.
Fatima dropped to her knees and Sister Anne hugged her tight.

"It's blood. It's the blood of his seven wives. O-o-o-e-e-e!"

A great roar sounded in their ears.

"Mercy! What's that?" cried the terrified Mrs. Fatima.

"It's Blue Beard. He's coming back," whereupon Virgie immediately left
Mrs. Fatima to face her fate alone.

Having spent a night and a day behind the tree, Blue Beard now rushed
upon the castle and roared for his wife.

"Greeting, my lord," said the trembling Mrs. Fatima with a low curtsey
"I hope you have enjoyed your journey."