"He simply dumped us out at the gate, and drove back as though the
devil was after him. He said the place was haunted."

"And he hit it about right at that, as ye'r' likely to find out afore
mornin'. Is that a woman with you?"

"Yes--may we come in?"

"Oh, I reckon I ain't got no license to turn yer away, if yer mind ter
risk it. Lord knows I 'm willin' 'nough to hav' company. Git yer
duds, an' I 'll light up, so yer kin see a bit."

He disappeared, and I lugged the grips to the top of the steps, where
we waited. Then a faint light streamed out through the open door, a
moment later outlining his figure.

"Come on in," he said, still gruffly. "Yer don't need be afeerd o' me,
mam, and the housekeeper be yere directly."

I confess I entered the dim hall reluctantly, obsessed by some strange
premonition of danger, but Mrs. Bernard clung to me, and the sight of
her white face gave me new courage.




CHAPTER XI

A PLEASANT WELCOME