"Yes, he is no ignoramus. He's a shrewd fellow, and a deep one; but I have learned a few things." [Pg 123] [Pg 123] CHAPTER XI The Night Walk Events were following each other rapidly at the Mansion. After leaving the cellar, Oakes led us back through the grounds, around the south side of the house. There was no entrance to the cellar there, apparently. When we reached our rooms and I had deposited the mask and gown on my table, Oakes turned to the care-taker, Cook, who accompanied us: "You have been several years here, have you not?" "Yes, Mr. Clark." "When did the first trouble begin?" "About three years ago, sir, following some repairs that were made after Mr. Odell Mark bought the place from his brother." "What do you know of those repairs?" "Well, sir, as perhaps you have noticed, the door from the dining-room to the parlor opens on a short hall about three feet deep. Now, sir, Mr. Odell [Pg 124]Mark had the wall thickened between the rooms; he thought it was weak, and this hall represents the thickness of the wall." [Pg 124] Oakes stood at the window, his hands in his pockets, looking out. "Did you see that wall being built yourself, Cook?" "I didn't notice particularly, sir." "Well, Stone, we'll try the simplest theory first. Will you kindly go with Cook up to the roof and look around carefully. I have an idea that the wall is double, and that you will find an opening up there somewhere." We went, and, as Oakes had surmised, soon found a small opening like a chimney, grated in solidly and protected by a covering, and so reported. "Good!" said Oakes. "The wall is double—in part at
Prev.
Back
Top