Page 73 (1/2)

After an hour's idle search I returned to the end of

the corridor, repeated all e unbecoer, I found what patient search

had not disclosed

I threw the hae square in the ceave forth a hollow sound I was on my knees in an

instant,

down close I could feel a current of air, slight but unh exactly like the others in

the cellar floor, was evidently only a wooden i beneath

The block was fitted into its place with a nicety that

certified to the skill of the hand that had adjusted it

I broke a blade ofto pry it

up, but in a moment I succeeded, and found it to be

in reality a trap-door, hinged to the substantial part

of the floor

A current of cool fresh air, the saht, struckThe lower passage was as black

as pitch, and I lighted a lantern I had brought with ave safe conduct below and

went down

I stood erect in the passage and had several inches

to spare It extended both ways, running back under

the foundations of the house This lower passage cut

squarely under the park before the house and toward