While he was speaking, he shifted his ground, and perceived that the boards rose up on the other side of the closet; upon farther examination they found that the whole floor was loose, and a table that stood over them concealed the circumstance from a casual observer.

“I perceive,” said Oswald, “that some great discovery is at hand.”

“God defend us!” said Edmund, “but I verily believe that the person that owned this armour lies buried under us.”

Upon this, a dismal hollow groan was heard, as if from underneath.  A solemn silence ensued, and marks of fear were visible upon all three; the groan was thrice heard; Oswald made signs for them to kneel, and he prayed audibly, that Heaven would direct them how to act; he also prayed for the soul of the departed, that it might rest in peace.  After this, he arose; but Edmund continued kneeling—­ he vowed solemnly to devote himself to the discovery of this secret, and the avenging the death of the person there buried.  He then rose up.  “It would be to no purpose,” said he, “for us to examine further now; when I am properly authorised, I will have this place opened; I trust that time is not far off.”

“I believe it,” said Oswald; “you are designed by Heaven to be its instrument in bringing this deed of darkness to light.  We are your creatures; only tell us what you would have us do, and we are ready to obey your commands.”

“I only demand your silence,” said Edmund, “till I call for your evidence; and then, you must speak all you know, and all you suspect.”

“Oh,” said Joseph,” that I may but live to see that day, and I shall have lived long enough!”

“Come,” said Edmund, “let us return up stairs, and we will consult further how I shall proceed.”

So saying, he went out of the closet, and they followed him.  He locked the door, and took the key out—­ “I will keep this,” said he, “till I have power to use it to purpose, lest any one should presume to pry into the secret of this closet.  I will always carry it about me, to remind me of what I have undertaken.”

Upon this, they returned up stairs into the bed-chamber; all was still, and they heard nothing more to disturb them.  “How,” said Edmund, “is it possible that I should be the son of Lord Lovel? for, however circumstances have seemed to encourage such a notion, what reason have I to believe it?”

“I am strangely puzzled about it,” said Oswald.  “It seems unlikely that so good a man as Lord Lovel should corrupt the wife of a peasant, his vassal; and, especially, being so lately married to a lady with whom he was passionately in love.”

“Hold there! said Joseph; “my lord was incapable of such an action; If Master Edmund is the son of my lord, he is also the son of my lady.”

“How can that be,” said Edmund?

“I don’t know how,” said Joseph; “but there is a person who can tell if she will; I mean Margery Twyford, who calls herself your mother.”