that this was merely a chance recognition. He inclined to the latter
belief when he observed that the Knight was at fault respecting the
secret passage, searching in vain through every part of the vault,
and twice passing over the very spot. The third time, however, it so
chanced that his spur rung against something of metal, and he called
for Gaston to hold his torch lower. The light fell not only upon an
iron ring, but upon a guard which evidently covered a key-hole.

Sanchez, after in vain professing great amazement, and perfect
ignorance of any such entrance, gave up his bunch of keys, protesting
that there was nothing there which could unlock the mysterious door:
but the Knight had another method. "Look you, Master Sanchez," said
he, "it may be, as you say, that this door hath not been unclosed for
hundreds of years, notwithstanding I see traces in the dust as if it
had been raised of late. I shall, however, sleep more securely if
convinced that it is an impossibility to lift it. Go, therefore,
Gaston, and call half a dozen of the men, to bring each of them the
heaviest stone they can find from that heap I saw prepared for a
mangonel in the court-yard."

"Oh, excellent!" exclaimed Gaston, "and yet, Sir Eustace--"

There he stopped, but it was evident that he was reluctant to leave
his master alone with this villain. Eustace replied by drawing his
good sword, and giving him a fearless smile, as he planted his foot
upon the trap-door; and fixing his gaze upon Le Borgne Basque, made
him feel that this was no moment for treachery.

Gaston sped fast out of the dungeon, and, in brief space, made his
appearance at the head of the men-at-arms, some bearing torches,