connection with their sleeping room, and he was sure his parents
did not know of one either, or any member of the household.
Therefore it was immensely surprising to hear these uncanny sounds,
and it was small wonder if they did give rise to a wave of
supernatural terror, of which the boy was man enough to feel
ashamed the moment reason had time to assert her sway.

"I have done no wrong; I confessed but three days since, and
received blessing and absolution. If any spirit were to come to
visit this room, it could do me no hurt. Besides, methinks a spirit
would pass easily along the straightest place, and would not need
to fumble thus as if in search of hidden bolts.

"Ha! what is that! Methought some spring shot back. Hist! here IT
comes!"

The boy lay back upon his bed, drawing the clothes silently up to
his very eyes. The moonlight had shifted just a little, and no
longer illumined his face. That was now in shadow, and would scarce
reveal the fact that he was awake. He lay perfectly still, scarce
daring to draw his breath, and the next moment a strange thing
happened.

The whole of one of the great carved pillars that supported the
high mantle shelf swung noiselessly forward, and stood out at right
angles to the wall. From where he lay Bertram could not see, but he
could well understand that when this was done a narrow doorway had
been revealed, and the next moment a shadowy figure glided with
noiseless steps into the room.