Hubert and his followers shuddered; but they were a little more hardened to the sight of such things, which were not unknown in those times even in “merry England,” than we should be.

“Where does that trap door lead to?” said Almeric, pointing to an arrangement of two folding doors in front of a rude image.

“It looks firm.”

“Nay, trust it not.  Here is a rude stump, once used as a seat.  Roll it upon the trap doors.”

The round, short log was rolled on the trap, which gave way at once.  Down went the log, and, after what seemed minutes to those above, came a hollow boom.  It had reached the bottom.  The oubliette—­Almeric shuddered, and the colour faded from his face.

“What if I had tried the strength with my own weight!” thought he.

They returned to the upper air.  The sun had set, and the shades of night were gathering around the hoary pile, and, with deepening shades, every soul present felt a sense of gloom and depression creep over him; a sort of apprehension which had no visible cause, and could not easily be explained, but which led one to start at shadows, and look round at each unexpected footfall.

For over all there came a sense of fear,
A sense of mystery the spirit daunted,
And said as plain as whisper in the ear—­
“This place is haunted.”

“Bring wood.  Kindle a fire on the hearth here.  Set torches in those cressets.  Bring out the remains of our dinner.  There is yet plenty of the vin de pays; let us eat drink, and be merry.”

Wood was plentiful, pine torches easily procured in such a locality, and soon the hall was bright with the firelight and vocal with the sound of voices in melody.  So the hours sped on until it was quite dark.  It was a very still night, but the clouds were thick, and there were no stars abroad.

At length they had burned all the wood which had been brought in.

“Go, Tristam, and bring more wood from the great pile in the courtyard,” said Hubert.

Tristam, a grizzled man-at-arms, went out.

All at once a cry of horror was heard.  All started to their feet, but before they could run to Tristam’s aid the door was dashed open, and he ran in, his hair erect with horror, and his eyes starting from their sockets.

“It is after me!” he shrieked, as he slammed the door behind him.

“What was it?” said Hubert, while the sight of the man’s infectious terror sent a thrill through all of them.

But he couldn’t tell; he only stood and gibbered and shuddered, as if he had lost his senses, then crept to the innermost corner of the large fireplace, where they made room for him, and moaned like some wounded animal.

“The wood must be brought,” said Hubert.  “We are not going to let the fire go out, nor to be frightened at shadows.

“Almeric, you will come with me and fetch it.”

“Yes, master,” said Almeric, not without a shudder, which did not promise well.