
English: 
The Warder of the Door by L. T. Meade and
Robert Eustace
"If you don't believe it, you can read it
for yourself," said Allen Clinton, climbing
up the steps and searching among the volumes
on the top shelf.
I lay back in my chair. The beams from the
sinking sun shone through the stained glass
of the windows of the old library, and dyed
the rows of black leather volumes with bands
of red and yellow.
"Here, Bell!"
I took a musty volume from Allen Clinton,
which he had unearthed from its resting-place.
"It is about the middle of the book," he continued
eagerly. "You will see it in big, black, old
English letters."
I turned over the pages containing the family
tree and other archives of the Clintons till

English: 
The Warder of the Door by L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace
"If you don't believe it, you can read it for yourself," said Allen Clinton, climbing up the steps
and searching among the volumes on the top shelf.
I lay back in my chair. The beams from the sinking sun shone through the stained glass of the windows of the old library,
and dyed the rows of black leather volumes with bands of red and yellow.
"Here, Bell!"
 
I took a musty volume from Allen Clinton, which he had unearthed from its resting-place.
"It is about the middle of the book," he continued eagerly.
"You will see it in big, black, old English letters."
I turned over the pages containing the family tree and other archives of the Clintons till I came to the one I was seeking.

English: 
It contained the curse which had rested on the family since 1400.
Slowly and with difficulty I deciphered the words of this terrible denunciation
"And in this cell its coffin lieth, the coffin which
hath not human shape for which reason no
holy ground receiveth it here shall it
rest to curse the family of ye Clintons
from generation to generation and for
this reason as soon as the soul shall
pass from the body of each firstborn
which is the heir it shall become the
water of the door by day and by night
day and night shall his spirit stand by
the door to keep the door closed till
the Sun shall release the spirit of the
father from the watch and take his place

English: 
I came to the one I was seeking. It contained
the curse which had rested on the family since
1400. Slowly and with difficulty I deciphered
the words of this terrible denunciation.
"And in this cell its coffin lieth, the coffin
which hath not human shape, for which reason
no holy ground receiveth it. Here shall it
rest to curse the family of ye Clyntons from
generation to generation. And for this reason,
as soon as the soul shall pass from the body
of each first-born, which is the heir, it
shall become the warder of the door by day
and by night. Day and night shall his spirit
stand by the door, to keep the door closed
till the son shall release the spirit of the
father from the watch and take his place,

English: 
till his Sun in turn shall die and
enter death into the cell shall be the
prisoner of the soul that guardeth the
door till it shall let him go what a
ghastly idea I said glancing up at the
young man who was watching me as I read
but you say this cell has never been
found I should say its existence was a
myth and of course the curse on the soul
of the firstborn to keep the door shut
as water is absurd matter does not obey
witchcraft the odd part of it is replied
Allen that every other detail of the
abbey referred to in this record has
been identified but this cell with its
horrible contents has never been found
it certainly was a curious legend and I
know it made some impression on me I
fancied to that somewhere
I had heard something similar but my

English: 
till his son in turn shall die. And whoso
entereth into the cell shall be the prisoner
of the soul that guardeth the door till it
shall let him go."
"What a ghastly idea!" I said, glancing up
at the young man who was watching me as I
read. "But you say this cell has never been
found. I should say its existence was a myth,
and, of course, the curse on the soul of the
first-born to keep the door shut as warder
is absurd. Matter does not obey witchcraft."
"The odd part of it is," replied Allen, "that
every other detail of the Abbey referred to
in this record has been identified; but this
cell with its horrible contents has never
been found."
It certainly was a curious legend, and I allow
it made some impression on me. I fancied,
too, that somewhere I had heard something
similar, but my memory failed to trace it.

English: 
memory failed to trace it I had come
down to Clinton Abbey three days before
for some pheasant shooting it was now
Sunday afternoon the family with the
exception of old Sir Henry Allen and
myself we're at church Sir Henry now
nearly 80 years of age and a chronic
invalid had retired to his room for his
afternoon sleep the younger Clinton and
I had gone out for a stroll round the
grounds and since we returned our
conversation had run upon the family
history till it arrived at the legend of
the family curse presently the door of
the library was slowly opened and Sir
Henry in his black velvet coat which
formed such a striking contrast to his
snowy white beard and hair entered the
room I rose from my chair and giving him
my arm assisted him to his favorite

English: 
I had come down to Clinton Abbey three days
before for some pheasant shooting.
It was now Sunday afternoon. The family, with
the exception of old Sir Henry, Allen, and
myself, were at church. Sir Henry, now nearly
eighty years of age and a chronic invalid,
had retired to his room for his afternoon
sleep. The younger Clinton and I had gone
out for a stroll round the grounds, and since
we returned our conversation had run upon
the family history till it arrived at the
legend of the family curse. Presently, the
door of the library was slowly opened, and
Sir Henry, in his black velvet coat, which
formed such a striking contrast to his snowy
white beard and hair, entered the room. I
rose from my chair, and, giving him my arm,
assisted him to his favourite couch. He sank

English: 
couch he sank down into its luxurious
depths with a sigh but as he did so his
eyes caught the old volume which I had
laid on the table beside it
he started forward took the book in his
hand and looked across at his son did
he'll take this book down he said
sharply yes Father I got it out to show
it to Belle he is interested in the
history of the Abbey and then returned
it to its place at once interrupted the
old man his black eyes blazing with
sudden passion you know how I dislike
having my books disarranged and this one
above all stay give it to me he
struggled up from the couch and taking
the volume locked it up in one of the
drawers of his writing table and then
sat back again on the sofa his hands
were trembling as if some sudden fear
had taken possession of him did you say
that Phyllis quezon is coming tomorrow

English: 
down into its luxurious depths with a sigh,
but as he did so his eyes caught the old volume
which I had laid on the table beside it. He
started forward, took the book in his hand,
and looked across at his son.
"Did you take this book down?" he said sharply.
"Yes, father; I got it out to show it to Bell.
He is interested in the history of the Abbey,
and——"
"Then return it to its place at once," interrupted
the old man, his black eyes blazing with sudden
passion. "You know how I dislike having my
books disarranged, and this one above all.
Stay, give it to me."
He struggled up from the couch, and, taking
the volume, locked it up in one of the drawers
of his writing-table, and then sat back again
on the sofa. His hands were trembling, as
if some sudden fear had taken possession of
him.
"Did you say that Phyllis Curzon is coming
to-morrow?" asked the old man presently of

English: 
asked to the old man presently of his
son in an irritable voice yes father of
course don't you remember mrs. Carson
and Phyllis are coming to stay for a
fortnight and by the way he added
starting to his feet as he spoke that
reminds me I must go and tell grace the
rest of the sentence was lost in the
closing of the door as soon as we were
alone Sir Henry looked across at me for
a few moments without speaking then he
said I'm sorry
was so short just now I'm not myself I
do not know what is the matter with me
I feel altarpieces I cannot sleep I do
not think my time is very long now and
I'm worried about Ellen the fact is I
would give anything to stop this
engagement I wish he would not marry I'm
sorry to hear you say that sir I
answered I should have thought you would
have been anxious to see your son

English: 
his son in an irritable voice.
"Yes, father, of course; don't you remember?
Mrs. Curzon and Phyllis are coming to stay
for a fortnight; and, by the way," he added,
starting to his feet as he spoke, "that reminds
me I must go and tell Grace——"
The rest of the sentence was lost in the closing
of the door. As soon as we were alone, Sir
Henry looked across at me for a few moments
without speaking. Then he said,—
"I am sorry I was so short just now. I am
not myself. I do not know what is the matter
with me. I feel all to pieces. I cannot sleep.
I do not think my time is very long now, and
I am worried about Allen. The fact is, I would
give anything to stop this engagement. I wish
he would not marry."
"I am sorry to hear you say that, sir," I
answered. "I should have thought you would
have been anxious to see your son happily
married."

English: 
happily married
most men would was the reply but I have
my reasons for wishing things otherwise
what do you mean I could not help asking
I cannot explain myself I wish I could
it would be best for Ellen to let the
old family die out there
perhaps I am foolish about it and of
course I cannot really stop the marriage
but I am worried and troubled about many
things I wish I could help you sir
I said impulsively if there is anything
I can possibly do you know you only have
to ask me Thank You of bail I know you
would but I cannot tell you someday I
may but there I am afraid horribly
afraid the trembling again seized him
and he put his hands over his eyes as if
to shut out some terrible sight

English: 
"Most men would," was the reply; "but I have
my reasons for wishing things otherwise."
"What do you mean?" I could not help asking.
"I cannot explain myself; I wish I could.
It would be best for Allen to let the old
family die out. There, perhaps I am foolish
about it, and of course I cannot really stop
the marriage, but I am worried and troubled
about many things."
"I wish I could help you, sir," I said impulsively.
"If there is anything I can possibly do, you
know you have only to ask me."
"Thank you, Bell, I know you would; but I
cannot tell you. Some day I may. But there,
I am afraid — horribly afraid."
The trembling again seized him, and he put
his hands over his eyes as if to shut out
some terrible sight.

English: 
peterward of what I've told you to Alan
or anyone else he said suddenly it is
possible that Sunday I may ask you to
help me
and remember bail I trust you
he held out his hand which I took in
another moment the butler entered with
the lamps and I took advantage of the
interruption to make my way to the
drawing-room
the next today a the cousins arrived and
a hasty glance showed me that Phyllis
was a charming girl she was tall
slightly milled with a figure both
upright and graceful and a handsome sum
of proud face when in perfect repose
that expression was somewhat haughty but
at the moment she spoke her face became
vivacious kindly charming to an
extraordinary degree
she had a gay laugh a sweet smile a
sympathetic manner I was certain she had

English: 
"Don't repeat a word of what I have told you
to Allen or any one else," he said suddenly.
"It is possible that some day I may ask you
to help me; and remember, Bell, I trust you."
He held out his hand, which I took. In another
moment the butler entered with the lamps,
and I took advantage of the interruption to
make my way to the drawing-room.
The next day the Curzons arrived, and a hasty
glance showed me that Phyllis was a charming
girl. She was tall, slightly built, with a
figure both upright and graceful, and a handsome,
somewhat proud face. When in perfect repose
her expression was somewhat haughty; but the
moment she spoke her face became vivacious,
kindly, charming to an extraordinary degree;
she had a gay laugh, a sweet smile, a sympathetic
manner. I was certain she had the kindest

English: 
of hearts, and was sure that Allen had made
an admirable choice.
A few days went by, and at last the evening
before the day when I was to return to London
arrived. Phyllis's mother had gone to bed
a short time before, as she had complained
of headache, and Allen suddenly proposed,
as the night was a perfect one, that we should
go out and enjoy a moonlight stroll.
Phyllis laughed with glee at the suggestion,
and ran at once into the hall to take a wrap
from one of the pegs.
"Allen," she said to her lover, who was following
her, "you and I will go first."
"No, young lady, on this occasion you and
I will have that privilege," said Sir Henry.
He had also come into the hall, and, to our
astonishment, announced his intention of accompanying
us in our walk.
Phyllis bestowed upon him a startled glance,
then she laid her hand lightly on his arm,

English: 
the kindest of hearts and was sure that
Alan had made an admirable choice a few
days went by and at last the evening
before the day when I was to return to
London arrived Felicia's mother had gone
to bed a short time before as she had
complained of a headache and Ellen
suddenly proposed as the night was a
perfect one that we should go out and
enjoy a moonlight stroll Phyllis laughed
with glee at the suggestion and ran at
once into the hall to take a rap from
one of the pegs Alan she said to her
lover who was following her you and I
will go first now young lady on this
occasion you and I will have that
privilege said Sir Henry
he had also come into the hall and to
our astonishment announced his intention
of accompanying us in our walk Phyllis
bestowed upon
a startled glance then she laid her hand

English: 
nodded back at Allen with a smile, and walked
on in front somewhat rapidly. Allen and I
followed in the rear.
"Now, what does my father mean by this?" said
Allen to me. "He never goes out at night;
but he has not been well lately. I sometimes
think he grows queerer every day."
"He is very far from well, I am certain,"
I answered.
We stayed out for about half an hour and returned
home by a path which led into the house through
a side entrance. Phyllis was waiting for us
in the hall.
"Where is my father?" asked Allen, going up
to her.
"He is tired and has gone to bed," she answered.
"Good-night, Allen."
"Won't you come into the drawing-room?" he
asked in some astonishment.
"No, I am tired."
She nodded to him without touching his hand;
her eyes, I could not help noticing, had a

English: 
lightly on his arm knotted Vanka Delon
with a smile and walked on in front
somewhat rapidly Allen and I followed in
the rear now what does my father mean by
this said Allen to me he never goes out
at night but he has not been well lately
I sometimes think he grows queer every
day he is very far from well I am
certain I answered we stayed out for
about half an hour and returned home by
path which led into the house through a
side entrance Phyllis was waiting for us
in the hall where is my father asked
Ellen hurry up to her he is tired and
has gone to bed she answered good night
Alan won't you come into the
drawing-room he asked in some
astonishment no I'm tired she nodded to
him without touching his hand her eyes I
could not help noticing had a queer

English: 
expression she ran upstairs I saw that
Alan was startled by her manner but as
he did not say anything neither did I
the
today at breakfast I was told that the
cousins had already left the Abbey Alan
was full of astonishment and I could see
a good deal annoyed he and I breakfasted
alone in the old library
his father was too ill to come
downstairs
I was on my way back to London many
things there engaged my immediate
attention and Alan his engagement Sir
Henry and the old family curse sank more
or less into the background of my mind
three months afterwards on the 7th of
January I sought my sorrow in The Times
the announcement of Sir Henry Clinton's

English: 
queer expression. She ran upstairs.
I saw that Allen was startled by her manner;
but as he did not say anything, neither did
I.
The next day at breakfast I was told that
the Curzons had already left the Abbey. Allen
was full of astonishment and, I could see,
a good deal annoyed. He and I breakfasted
alone in the old library. His father was too
ill to come downstairs.
An hour later I was on my way back to London.
Many things there engaged my immediate attention,
and Allen, his engagement, Sir Henry, and
the old family curse, sank more or less into
the background of my mind.
Three months afterwards, on the 7th of January,
I saw to my sorrow in the Times the announcement
of Sir Henry Clinton's death.

English: 
death from time to time in the interim I
had heard from the son saying that his
father was failing fast he further
mentioned that his own wedding was fixed
for the 21st of the present month now of
course it must be postponed I felt truly
sorry for Alan and wrote immediately a
long letter of condolence on the
following day I received a wire from him
imploring me to go down to the Abbey as
soon as possible
saying that he was in great difficulty I
packed a few things hastily and arrived
at kinton abbey at 6:00 in the evening
the house was silent and subdued the
funeral was to take place the next day
Clinton came into the hall and gripped
me warmly by the hand I noticed at once
how warned and worried he looked this is
good of Yubel he said I cannot tell you
how grateful I am to you for coming you
are the one man who can help me for I

English: 
From time to time in the interim I had heard
from the son, saying that his father was failing
fast. He further mentioned that his own wedding
was fixed for the twenty-first of the present
month. Now, of course, it must be postponed.
I felt truly sorry for Allen, and wrote immediately
a long letter of condolence.
On the following day I received a wire from
him, imploring me to go down to the Abbey
as soon as possible, saying that he was in
great difficulty.
I packed a few things hastily, and arrived
at Clinton Abbey at six in the evening. The
house was silent and subdued — the funeral
was to take place the next day. Clinton came
into the hall and gripped me warmly by the
hand. I noticed at once how worn and worried
he looked.
"This is good of you, Bell," he said. "I cannot
tell you how grateful I am to you for coming.

English: 
You are the one man who can help me, for I
know you have had much experience in matters
of this sort. Come into the library and I
will tell you everything. We shall dine alone
this evening, as my mother and the girls are
keeping to their own apartments for to-night."
As soon as we were seated, he plunged at once
into his story.
"I must give you a sort of prelude to what
has just occurred," he began. "You remember,
when you were last here, how abruptly Phyllis
and her mother left the Abbey?"
I nodded. I remembered well.
"On the morning after you had left us I had
a long letter from Phyllis," continued Allen.
"In it she told me of an extraordinary request
my father had made to her during that moonlight
walk — nothing more nor less than an earnest
wish that she would herself terminate our
engagement. She spoke quite frankly, as she
always does, assuring me of her unalterable
love and devotion, but saying that under the
circumstances it was absolutely necessary

English: 
know you have had much experience in
matters of this sort coming to the
library and I will tell you everything
we shall dine alone this evening as my
mother and the girls are keeping to
their own apartments for tonight as soon
as we were seated he plunged at once
into his story I must give you a sort of
prelude to what has just occurred
he began you remember when he were last
here how abruptly Phyllis and her mother
left the abbey I noted I remembered well
on the morning after you would left us
I had a long letter from Phyllis
continued Alan in it she told me of an
extraordinary request my father had made
to her during that moonlight walk
nothing more nor less than an earnest
wish that she would herself terminate
our engagement
she spoke quite frankly as she always
does
assuring me of her unalterable love and
devotion but saying that under the

English: 
circumstances it was absolutely
necessary to have an explanation frantic
with almost Ungava noble rage I sought
my father in his study
I laid Felicis letter before him and
asked him what it meant he looked at me
with the most unnatural expression of
weariness and pathos yes my boy I did it
he said Phyllis is quite right
I did ask of her as earnestly as a very
old man could plead that she would bring
the engagement to an end but why I asked
why that I am unable to tell you he
replied I lost my temper and said some
words to him which I now regret he made
no sort of reply when I had done
speaking he said slowly
I make hall allowance for your emotion
Ellen your feelings are no more than
natural you have done me a very sore

English: 
to have an explanation. Frantic with almost
ungovernable rage, I sought my father in his
study. I laid Phyllis's letter before him
and asked him what it meant. He looked at
me with the most unutterable expression of
weariness and pathos.
"'Yes, my boy, I did it,' he said. 'Phyllis
is quite right. I did ask of her, as earnestly
as a very old man could plead, that she would
bring the engagement to an end.'
"'But why?' I asked. 'Why?'
"'That I am unable to tell you,' he replied.
"I lost my temper and said some words to him
which I now regret. He made no sort of reply.
When I had done speaking he said slowly,—
"'I make all allowance for your emotion, Allen;
your feelings are no more than natural.'

English: 
"'You have done me a very sore injury,' I
retorted. 'What can Phyllis think of this?
She will never be the same again. I am going
to see her to-day.'
"He did not utter another word, and I left
him. I was absent from home for about a week.
It took me nearly that time to induce Phyllis
to overlook my father's extraordinary request,
and to let matters go on exactly as they had
done before.
"After fixing our engagement, if possible,
more firmly than ever, and also arranging
the date of our wedding, I returned home.
When I did so I told my father what I had
done.
"'As you will,' he replied, and then he sank
into great gloom. From that moment, although
I watched him day and night, and did everything
that love and tenderness could suggest, he
never seemed to rally. He scarcely spoke,
and remained, whenever we were together, bowed
in deep and painful reverie. A week ago he
took to his bed."
Here Allen paused.

English: 
injury I retorted what can Phyllis think
of this she will never be the same again
I am going to see her today he did not
utter another word and I left him I was
absent
for about a week it took me nearly that
time to induce Phyllis to overlook my
father's extraordinary requests and to
let matters go on exactly as they had
done before after fixing that engagement
if possible more firmly than ever and
also by ranging the date of the wedding
I returned home when I did so I told my
father what had done as you will he
replied and then he sank into great
gloom from that moment although I
watched him day and night and did
everything that love and tenderness
could suggest he never seemed to rally
he scarcely spoke and remained whenever
we were together bowed in deep and
painful reverie a week ago he took to

English: 
"I now come to events up to date," he said.
"Of course, as you may suppose, I was with
my father to the last. A few hours before
he passed away he called me to his bedside,
and to my astonishment began once more talking
about my engagement. He implored me with the
utmost earnestness even now at the eleventh
hour to break it off. It was not too late,
he said, and added further that nothing would
give him ease in dying but the knowledge that
I would promise him to remain single. Of course
I tried to humour him. He took my hand, looked
me in the eyes with an expression which I
shall never forget, and said,—
"'Allen, make me a solemn promise that you
will never marry.'
"This I naturally had to refuse, and then
he told me that, expecting my obstinacy, he

English: 
his bed here Allen paused I now come to
events up to date he said of course as
you may suppose I was with my father to
the last a few hours before he passed
away he called me to his bedside and to
my astonishment began once more talking
about my engagement he implored me with
the utmost earnestness even now at the
eleventh hour to break it off it was not
too late he said and added further that
nothing would give him ease in dying but
the knowledge that I would promise him
to remain single of course I tried to
humor him he took my hand looked me in
the eyes with an expression which I
shall never forget and said Ellen make
me a solemn promise that you will never
marry this I naturally had to refuse and
then he told me that expecting my
obstinacy he had written me a letter

English: 
had written me a letter which I should find
in his safe, but I was not to open it till
after his death. I found it this morning.
Bell, it is the most extraordinary communication,
and either it is entirely a figment of his
imagination, for his brain powers were failing
very much at the last, or else it is the most
awful thing I ever heard of. Here is the letter;
read it for yourself."
I took the paper from his hand and read the
following matter in shaky, almost illegible
writing:—
"My dear Boy, — When you read this I shall
have passed away. For the last six months
my life has been a living death. The horror
began in the following way. You know what
a deep interest I have always taken in the
family history of our house. I have spent
the latter years of my life in verifying each
detail, and my intention was, had health been

English: 
which I should find in his safe but I
was not to open it till after his death
I found it this morning Belle it is the
most extraordinary communication and
either it is entirely a figment of his
imagination for his brain powers were
failing very much at the last
what else it is the most awful thing I
ever heard of here is the letter read it
for yourself I took the paper from his
hand and read the following matter in
shaky almost illegible writing my dear
boy when you read this I shall have
passed away for the last six months my
life has been a living death the horror
began in the following way you know what
a deep interest I have always taken in
the family history of our house I have
spent the latter years of my life in
verifying each detail and my intention

English: 
was had health been given me to publish
a great deal of it in a suitable volume
on the special night to which I'm about
to allude i sat up late in my study
reading the book which I saw you show to
Belle a short time ago in particular I
was much attracted by the terrible curse
which the old Abbot in the 14th century
had bestowed upon the family I've read
the awful words again and again I knew
that all the other details in the volume
had been verified but that the vault
with the coffin had never yet been found
presently I grew drowsy and I suppose I
must have fallen asleep in my sleep I
had a dream I thought that someone came
into the room touched me on the shoulder
and said come I docked up a tall figure
beckoned to me the voice and the figure

English: 
given me, to publish a great deal of it in
a suitable volume.
"On the special night to which I am about
to allude, I sat up late in my study reading
the book which I saw you show to Bell a short
time ago. In particular, I was much attracted
by the terrible curse which the old abbot
in the fourteenth century had bestowed upon
the family. I read the awful words again and
again. I knew that all the other details in
the volume had been verified, but that the
vault with the coffin had never yet been found.
Presently I grew drowsy, and I suppose I must
have fallen asleep. In my sleep I had a dream;
I thought that some one came into the room,
touched me on the shoulder, and said 'Come.'
I looked up; a tall figure beckoned to me.
The voice and the figure belonged to my late

English: 
belonged to my late father
in my dream I rose immediately although
I did not know why I went nor where I
was going the figure went on in front it
entered the hall I took one of the can
from the table and the key of the chapel
unbolted the door and went out still the
voice kept saying come come and the
figure of my father walked in front of
me I went across the quadrangle unlocked
the chapel door and entered a deathlike
silence was around me I crossed the nave
to the North aisle the figure still went
in front of me it entered the Great Pew
which is said to be haunted and walked
straight after the effigy of the old
abbot who had pronounced the curse this
as you know is built into the opposite

English: 
father. In my dream I rose immediately, although
I did not know why I went nor where I was
going. The figure went on in front, it entered
the hall. I took one of the candles from the
table and the key of the chapel, unbolted
the door and went out. Still the voice kept
saying 'Come, come,' and the figure of my
father walked in front of me. I went across
the quadrangle, unlocked the chapel door,
and entered.
"A death-like silence was around me. I crossed
the nave to the north aisle; the figure still
went in front of me; it entered the great
pew which is said to be haunted, and walked
straight up to the effigy of the old abbot
who had pronounced the curse. This, as you
know, is built into the opposite wall. Bending
forward, the figure pressed the eyes of the

English: 
old monk, and immediately a stone started
out of its place, revealing a staircase behind.
I was about to hurry forward, when I must
have knocked against something. I felt a sensation
of pain, and suddenly awoke. What was my amazement
to find that I had acted on my dream, had
crossed the quadrangle, and was in the chapel;
in fact, was standing in the old pew! Of course
there was no figure of any sort visible, but
the moonlight shed a cold radiance over all
the place. I felt very much startled and impressed,
but was just about to return to the house
in some wonder at the curious vision which
I had experienced, when, raising my startled
eyes, I saw that part of it at least was real.
The old monk seemed to grin at me from his

English: 
wall bending forward the figure pressed
the eyes of the old monk and immediately
a stone started out of its place
revealing a staircase behind I was about
to hurry forward when I must have
knocked against something I felt a
sensation of pain and suddenly awoke
what was my amazement to find that I had
acted on my dream had crossed the
quadrangle and was in the chapel in fact
was standing in the old pew of course
there was no figure of any sort visible
but the moonlight shed a cold radiance
over all the place I felt very much
startled and impressed but was just
about to return to the house in some
wonder at the curious vision which I had
experienced when raising my startled
eyes I saw that part of it at least was
real the old monk seemed to grin at me

English: 
from his marble effigy and beside him
was a blank open space I hurried to it
and sought a narrow flight of stairs I
cannot explain what my emotions were but
my keenest feeling at that moment was a
strong and horrible curiosity holding
the candle
my hand I went down the steps they
terminated at the beginning of a long
passage this I quickly traversed and at
last found myself beside an iron door it
was not locked but hesp and was very
hard to open
in fact it required nearly all my
strength
at last I pulled it open towards me and
there in a small cell lay the coffin as
the words of the curse said I gazed at
it in horror had adopt dare to enter it
was a wedge-shaped coffin studied with

English: 
marble effigy, and beside him was a blank
open space. I hurried to it and saw a narrow
flight of stairs. I cannot explain what my
emotions were, but my keenest feeling at that
moment was a strong and horrible curiosity.
Holding the candle in my hand, I went down
the steps. They terminated at the beginning
of a long passage. This I quickly traversed,
and at last found myself beside an iron door.
It was not locked, but hasped, and was very
hard to open; in fact, it required nearly
all my strength; at last I pulled it open
towards me, and there in a small cell lay
the coffin, as the words of the curse said.
I gazed at it in horror. I did not dare to
enter. It was a wedged-shaped coffin studded

English: 
with great nails. But as I looked my blood
froze within me, for slowly, very slowly,
as if pushed by some unseen hand, the great
heavy door began to close, quicker and quicker,
until with a crash that echoed and re-echoed
through the empty vault, it shut.
"Terror-stricken, I rushed from the vault
and reached my room once more.
"Now I know that this great curse is true;
that my father's spirit is there to guard
the door and close it, for I saw it with my
own eyes, and while you read this know that
I am there. I charge you, therefore, not to
marry — bring no child into the world to
perpetuate this terrible curse. Let the family
die out if you have the courage. It is much,

English: 
great nails but as I looked my blood
froze within me for slowly very slowly
as if pushed by some unseen hand the
great heavy door began to close quicker
and quicker until with a crash that
echoed and re-echoed through the empty
vault its shut terror-stricken
I rushed from the vault and reached my
room once more now I know that this
great curse is true that my father's
spirit is there to guard the door and
closed it for I saw it with my own eyes
and while you read this know that I am
there I charge you therefore not to
marry bring no child into the world to
perpetuate this terrible curse let the
family die out if you have the courage
it is much I know to ask but whether you

English: 
do or not come to me there
and if by sign or word I can communicate
with you I will do so but hold the
secret safe meet be there before my body
is laid to rest when body and soul are
still not far from each other farewell
your
father Henry Kenton I read this strange
letter over carefully twice and laid it
down for a moment I hardly knew what to
say it was certainly the most uncanny
thing I had ever come across what do you
think of it asked Allen at last well of
course there are only two possible
solutions
I answered one is that your father not
only dreamt the beginning of this story
which remember he allows himself but the
whole of it and the other asked Allen
seeing that I paused the other I

English: 
I know, to ask; but whether you do or not,
come to me there, and if by sign or word I
can communicate with you I will do so, but
hold the secret safe. Meet me there before
my body is laid to rest, when body and soul
are still not far from each other. Farewell.
— Your loving father,
"Henry Clinton."
I read this strange letter over carefully
twice, and laid it down. For a moment I hardly
knew what to say. It was certainly the most
uncanny thing I had ever come across.
"What do you think of it?" asked Allen at
last.
"Well, of course there are only two possible
solutions," I answered. "One is that your
father not only dreamt the beginning of this
story — which, remember, he allows himself
— but the whole of it."
"And the other?" asked Allen, seeing that
I paused.

English: 
continued I hardly know what to say yet
of course we will investigate the whole
thing that is our only chance of
arriving at a solution it is absurd to
let matters rest as they are we had
better try tonight Clinton winced and
hesitated something must be done of
course he answered but the worst of it
is Phyllis and her mother are coming
here early tomorrow in time for the
funeral and I cannot meet her
no I cannot poor girl why I feel as I do
we will go to the vault tonight I said
Clinton rose from his chair and looked
at me I don't like this thing at all
Belle he continued I am NOT by nature in
any sense of the word a superstitious
man but I tell you frankly nothing would
induce me to go alone into that chapel
tonight

English: 
"The other," I continued, "I hardly know what
to say yet. Of course we will investigate
the whole thing, that is our only chance of
arriving at a solution. It is absurd to let
matters rest as they are. We had better try
to-night."
Clinton winced and hesitated.
"Something must be done, of course," he answered;
"but the worst of it is Phyllis and her mother
are coming here early to-morrow in time for
the funeral, and I cannot meet her — no,
I cannot, poor girl! — while I feel as I
do."
"We will go to the vault to-night," I said.
Clinton rose from his chair and looked at
me.
"I don't like this thing at all, Bell," he
continued. "I am not by nature in any sense
of the word a superstitious man, but I tell
you frankly nothing would induce me to go

English: 
alone into that chapel to-night; if you come
with me, that, of course, alters matters.
I know the pew my father refers to well; it
is beneath the window of St. Sebastian."
Soon afterwards I went to my room and dressed;
and Allen and I dined tête-à-tête in the
great dining-room. The old butler waited on
us with funereal solemnity, and I did all
I could to lure Clinton's thoughts into a
more cheerful and healthier channel.
I cannot say that I was very successful. I
further noticed that he scarcely ate anything,
and seemed altogether to be in a state of
nervous tension painful to witness.
After dinner we went into the smoking-room,
and at eleven o'clock I proposed that we should
make a start.
Clinton braced himself together and we went
out. He got the chapel keys, and then going

English: 
if you come with me that of course
alters matters I know the pew my father
refers to well it is beneath the window
of st. Sebastian
soon afterwards I went to my room and
dressed and Alan and I died and a
tete-a-tete in the great dining room the
old butler waited on as with funeral
solemnity and I did all I could to lure
Clinton's thoughts into a more cheerful
and healthier Channel I cannot say that
I was very successful I further noticed
that he scarcely at anything and seemed
altogether to be in a state of nervous
tension painful to witness after dinner
we went into the smoking-room and at
eleven o'clock I proposed that we should
make a start Clinton braced himself
together and we went out he got the
chapel keys and then going to the

English: 
stables we borrowed a lantern and a
moment afterwards found ourselves in the
sacred edifice the moon was at her full
and by the pale light which was diffused
through the south windows the
architecture of the interior to be
faintly seen the Gothic arches that
flanked the center aisle with air quaint
pillars each with a carved figure of one
of the saints were quite visible and
further in the darkness of the chancel
the dim outlines of the choir and altar
table with its white marble rear dose
could be just discerned
we closed the door softly and Clinton
leading the way with the lantern we
walked up the center aisle paved with
the brasses of his dead ancestors we
taunted gently on tiptoe as one
instinctively does at night turning
beneath the little pulpit we reached the
North transept and here Clinton stopped

English: 
to the stables we borrowed a lantern, and
a moment afterwards found ourselves in the
sacred edifice. The moon was at her full,
and by the pale light which was diffused through
the south windows the architecture of the
interior could be faintly seen. The Gothic
arches that flanked the centre aisle with
their quaint pillars, each with a carved figure
of one of the saints, were quite visible,
and further in the darkness of the chancel
the dim outlines of the choir and altar-table
with its white marble reredos could be just
discerned.
We closed the door softly and, Clinton leading
the way with the lantern, we walked up the
centre aisle paved with the brasses of his
dead ancestors. We trod gently on tiptoe as
one instinctively does at night. Turning beneath
the little pulpit we reached the north transept,

English: 
and here Clinton stopped and turned round.
He was very white, but his voice was quiet.
"This is the pew," he whispered. "It has always
been called the haunted pew of Sir Hugh Clinton."
I took the lantern from him and we entered.
I crossed the pew immediately and went up
to the effigy of the old abbot.
"Let us examine him closely," I said. I held
up the lantern, getting it to shine on each
part of the face, the vestments, and the figure.
The eyes, although vacant, as in all statuary,
seemed to me at that moment to be uncanny
and peculiar. Giving Allen the lantern to
hold, I placed a finger firmly on each. The
next moment I could not refrain from an exclamation;
a stone at the side immediately rolled back,
revealing the steps which were spoken of by

English: 
and turned round he was very white but
his voice was quiet this is the Pew he
whispered it has always been called the
haunted pew of Sir Hugh Clinton I took
the lantern from him and we entered I
crossed the Pew immediately and went out
to the effigy of the old Abbot let us
examine him closely I said I held up the
lantern getting it to shine on each part
of the face the vestments and the figure
the eyes although vacant as in all
statuary seemed to me at that moment to
be uncanny and peculiar giving Ellen the
lantern to hold I placed a finger firmly
on each the next moment I could not
refrain from an exclamation a stone at
the side immediately rolled back
revealing the steps which were spoken of

English: 
the old man in his narrative.
"It is true! It is true!" cried Clinton excitedly.
"It certainly looks like it," I remarked:
"but never mind, we have the chance now of
investigating this matter thoroughly."
"Are you going down?" asked Clinton.
"Certainly I am," I replied. "Let us go together."
Immediately afterwards we crept through the
opening and began to descend. There was only
just room to do so in single file, and I went
first with the lantern. In another moment
we were in the long passage, and soon we were
confronted by a door in an arched stone framework.
Up till now Clinton had shown little sign
of alarm, but here, at the trysting-place

English: 
by the old man in his narrative it is
true it is true cried Clinton excitedly
it certainly looks like it I remarked
but never mind we have the chance now of
investigating this matter thoroughly are
you going down asked Clinton certainly I
am I replied let us go together
immediately afterwards we crept through
the opening and began to descend there
was only just room to do so in single
file and I went first with the lantern
in another moment we were in the long
passage and soon we were confronted by a
door in an arched stone framework up
till now
Tintin had shown little sign of alarm
but here at the trysting place to which
his father's soul had summoned him he

English: 
seemed suddenly to lose his nerve he
leant against the wall and for a moment
I thought he would have fallen I held up
the lantern and examined the door and
walls carefully then approaching I
lifted the iron latch of the heavy door
it was very hard to move but at last by
seizing the edge I dragged it open to
its full against the wall of the passage
having done so I peered inside holding
the lantern above my head as I did so I
heard Clinton cry out look look he said
and turning I saw that the great door
had swung back against me almost
shutting me within the cell telling
Clinton to hold it back by force I
stepped inside and sought at my feet the
ghastly coffin the legend then so far

English: 
to which his father's soul had summoned him,
he seemed suddenly to lose his nerve. He leant
against the wall and for a moment I thought
he would have fallen. I held up the lantern
and examined the door and walls carefully.
Then approaching I lifted the iron latch of
the heavy door. It was very hard to move,
but at last by seizing the edge I dragged
it open to its full against the wall of the
passage. Having done so I peered inside, holding
the lantern above my head. As I did so I heard
Clinton cry out,—
"Look, look," he said, and turning I saw that
the great door had swung back against me,
almost shutting me within the cell.
Telling Clinton to hold it back by force,
I stepped inside and saw at my feet the ghastly

English: 
was true I bent down and examined the
queer miss shapen thing with great care
its shape was that of an enormous wedge
and it was apparently made of some dark
old wood and was bound with iron at the
corners having looked at it all round I
went out and flinging back the door
which kenton had been holding open stood
aside to watch slowly very slowly as we
both stood in the passage slowly as if
push
some invisible hand the door commenced
to swing round and increasing in
velocity shut with a noisy clang seizing
it once again I dragged it open and
while Clinton held it in that position
made a careful examination up to the
present I saw nothing to be much alarmed
about there were fifty ways in which a
door might shut of its own accord there

English: 
coffin. The legend then so far was true. I
bent down and examined the queer, misshapen
thing with great care. Its shape was that
of an enormous wedge, and it was apparently
made of some dark old wood, and was bound
with iron at the corners. Having looked at
it all round, I went out and, flinging back
the door which Clinton had been holding open,
stood aside to watch. Slowly, very slowly,
as we both stood in the passage — slowly,
as if pushed by some invisible hand, the door
commenced to swing round, and, increasing
in velocity, shut with a noisy clang.
Seizing it once again, I dragged it open and,
while Clinton held it in that position, made
a careful examination. Up to the present I
saw nothing to be much alarmed about. There
were fifty ways in which a door might shut
of its own accord. There might be a hidden

English: 
might be a hidden spring or tilted
hinges draught of course was out of the
question I looked at the hinges they
were of iron and set in the solid
masonry nor could I discover any spring
or hidden contrivance as when the door
was wide open there was an interval of
several inches between it and to the
wall we tried it again and again with
the same result and at last as it was
closing I seized it to prevent it I now
experienced a very odd sensation I
suddenly felt as if I were resisting an
unseen person who was pressing hard
against the door at the other side
directly it was released it continued
its course I had now I was quite unable
to understand the mystery suddenly an

English: 
spring or tilted hinges; draught, of course,
was out of the question. I looked at the hinges,
they were of iron and set in the solid masonry.
Nor could I discover any spring or hidden
contrivance, as when the door was wide open
there was an interval of several inches between
it and the wall. We tried it again and again
with the same result, and at last, as it was
closing, I seized it to prevent it.
I now experienced a very odd sensation; I
certainly felt as if I were resisting an unseen
person who was pressing hard against the door
at the other side. Directly it was released
it continued its course. I allow I was quite
unable to understand the mystery. Suddenly
an idea struck me.

English: 
idea struck me what does the legend say
I asked turning to Clinton that the soul
is to guard the door to close it up on
the coffin though
other words answered Elin speaking with
some difficulty now if that is true I
continued and we take the coffin out the
spirit won't shut the door if it does
shut it it disproves the whole thing at
once and shows it to be merely a cover
mechanical contrivance come Clinton
helped me to get the coffin out I tear
not bell he whispered hoarsely i dint go
inside nonsense man I said feeling now a
little annoyed of the whole thing here
put the lantern down and hold of the
door back I stepped in and getting
behind the coffin put out all my

English: 
"What does the legend say?" I asked, turning
to Clinton. "'That the soul is to guard the
door, to close it upon the coffin?'"
"Those are the words," answered Allen, speaking
with some difficulty.
"Now if that is true," I continued, "and we
take the coffin out, the spirit won't shut
the door; if it does shut it, it disproves
the whole thing at once, and shows it to be
merely a clever mechanical contrivance. Come,
Clinton, help me to get the coffin out."
"I dare not, Bell," he whispered hoarsely.
"I daren't go inside."
"Nonsense, man," I said, feeling now a little
annoyed at the whole thing. "Here, put the
lantern down and hold the door back." I stepped
in and, getting behind the coffin, put out
all my strength and shoved it into the passage.

English: 
"Now, then," I cried, "I'll bet you fifty
pounds to five the door will shut just the
same." I dragged the coffin clear of the door
and told him to let go. Clinton had scarcely
done so before, stepping back, he clutched
my arm.
"Look," he whispered; "do you see that it
will not shut now? My father is waiting for
the coffin to be put back. This is awful!"
I gazed at the door in horror; it was perfectly
true, it remained wide open, and quite still.
I sprang forward, seized it, and now endeavoured
to close it. It was as if some one was trying
to hold it open; it required considerable
force to stir it, and it was only with difficulty
I could move it at all. At last I managed
to shut it, but the moment I let go it swung

English: 
strength and shoved it into the passage
now then I cried I'll bet you fifty
pounds - five the door will shut just
the same I dragged the coffin clear of
the door and told him to let go Chintan
had scarcely done so before stepping
back he clutched my arm look he
whispered do you see that it will not
shut now my father is waiting for the
coffin to be put back this is awful I
gazed at the door in horror
it was perfectly true it remained wide
open and quite still I sprang forward
seized it and now endeavoured to close
it it was as if someone was trying to
hold it open it required considerable
force to stir it and it was only with
difficulty I could move it at all at

English: 
back open of its own accord and struck against
the wall, where it remained just as before.
In the dead silence that followed I could
hear Clinton breathing quickly behind me,
and I knew he was holding himself for all
he was worth.
At that moment there suddenly came over me
a sensation which I had once experienced before,
and which I was twice destined to experience
again. It is impossible to describe it, but
it seized me, laying siege to my brain till
I felt like a child in its power. It was as
if I were slowly drowning in the great ocean
of silence that enveloped us. Time itself
seemed to have disappeared. At my feet lay
the misshapen thing, and the lantern behind

English: 
last I managed to shut it but the moment
I let go it swung back open of its own
accord and struck against the wall where
it remained just as before in the dead
silence that followed I could hear
Clinton breathing quickly behind me and
I knew he was holding himself for all he
was worth
at that moment there suddenly came over
me a sensation which I had once
experienced before and which I was twice
destined to experience again it is
impossible to describe it but it seized
me laying siege to my brain till I felt
like a child in its power It was as if I
was slowly drowning in the great ocean
of silence that enveloped us time itself
seemed to have disappeared at my feet
lay the miss shapen theme and the
lantern behind it cast a fantastic

English: 
it cast a fantastic shadow of its distorted
outline on the cell wall before me.
"Speak; say something," I cried to Clinton.
The sharp sound of my voice broke the spell.
I felt myself again, and smiled at the trick
my nerves had played on me. I bent down and
once more laid my hands on the coffin, but
before I had time to push it back into its
place Clinton had gone up the passage like
a man who is flying to escape a hurled javelin.
Exerting all my force to prevent the door
from swinging back by keeping my leg against
it, I had just got the coffin into the cell
and was going out, when I heard a shrill cry,
and Clinton came tearing back down the passage.
"I can't get out! The stone has sunk into
its place! We are locked in!" he screamed,

English: 
shadow of its distorted outline on the
cell wall before me speak say something
I cried to Clinton
sharp sound of my voice broke the spell
I felt myself again and smiled at the
trick my nerves had played on me I bent
down and once more laid my hands on the
coffin
but before I had time to push it back
into its place kinton had gone up the
passage like a man who is flying to
escape a hurled javelin exerting all my
force to prevent the door from swinging
back by keeping my leg against it I had
just gone to the coffin into the cell
and was going out when I heard a shrill
cry and Clinton came tearing back down
the passage I can't get out the stone
has sunk into its place we are locked in
he screamed and wild with fear he

English: 
plunged headlong into the cell upsetting
me in his career before I could check
him I sprang back to the door as it was
closing I was too late before I could
reach it it had shut with a loud clang
in obedience to the infernal witchcraft
you have done it now I cried angrily do
you see why man we are buried alive in
this ghastly hole the lantern I had
placed just inside the door and by its
dim light as I looked at him I saw the
terror of a madman creep into Clinton's
eyes buried alive he shouted with a peal
of hysterical laughter yes and Belle
it's your doing you were her devil in
human shape with a wild paroxysm of fury
he flung himself upon me
there was the ferocity of a wild beast

English: 
and, wild with fear, he plunged headlong into
the cell, upsetting me in his career before
I could check him. I sprang back to the door
as it was closing. I was too late. Before
I could reach it, it had shut with a loud
clang in obedience to the infernal witchcraft.
"You have done it now," I cried angrily. "Do
you see? Why, man, we are buried alive in
this ghastly hole!"
The lantern I had placed just inside the door,
and by its dim light, as I looked at him,
I saw the terror of a madman creep into Clinton's
eyes.
"Buried alive!" he shouted, with a peal of
hysterical laughter. "Yes, and, Bell, it's
your doing; you are a devil in human shape!"
With a wild paroxysm of fury he flung himself
upon me. There was the ferocity of a wild
beast in his spring. He upset the lantern
and left us in total darkness.

English: 
The struggle was short. We might be buried
alive, but I was not going to die by his hand,
and seizing him by the throat I pinned him
against the wall.
"Keep quiet," I shouted. "It is your thundering
stupidity that has caused all this. Stay where
you are until I strike a match."
I luckily had some vestas in the little silver
box which I always carry on my watch-chain,
and striking one I relit the lantern. Clinton's
paroxysm was over, and sinking to the floor
he lay there shivering and cowering.
It was a terrible situation, and I knew that
our only hope was for me to keep my presence
of mind. With a great effort I forced myself
to think calmly over what could be done. To
shout for help would have been but a useless
waste of breath.

English: 
in his spring and he upset the lantern
and left us in total darkness the
struggle was short we might be buried
alive but I was not going to die by his
hand and seizing him by the throat I
pinned him against the wall keep
quiet I shouted it is your thundering
stupidity that has caused all this stay
where you are until I strike a match I
luckily had some Vestas in the little
silver box which I always carry on my
watch-chain
and striking one i relit the lanten
clinton's paroxysm was over and sinking
to the floor he lay there shivering and
cowering it was a terrible situation and
I knew that our only hope was for me to
keep my presence of mind with a great
effort I forced myself to think calmly
over what could be done to shout for
help would have been but a useless waste

English: 
of breath suddenly an idea struck me
have you got your father's letter I
cried eagerly I have he answered it is
in my pocket my last ray of hope
vanished
our only chance was that if he had left
it at the house someone might discover
the letter and come to our rescue by its
instructions it had been a faint hope
and it had disappeared almost as quickly
as it had come to me without it no one
would ever find the way to the vault
that had remained a secret for ages I
was determined however not to die
without a struggle for freedom taking
the lantern I examined every nook and
cranny of the cell for some other exit
it was a fruitless search no sign of any
way out could I find and we had
absolutely no means to unfasten the door
from the inner side
taking a few short steps I flung myself

English: 
Suddenly an idea struck me. "Have you got
your father's letter?" I cried eagerly.
"I have," he answered; "it is in my pocket."
My last ray of hope vanished. Our only chance
was that if he had left it at the house some
one might discover the letter and come to
our rescue by its instructions. It had been
a faint hope, and it disappeared almost as
quickly as it had come to me. Without it no
one would ever find the way to the vault that
had remained a secret for ages. I was determined,
however, not to die without a struggle for
freedom. Taking the lantern, I examined every
nook and cranny of the cell for some other
exit. It was a fruitless search. No sign of
any way out could I find, and we had absolutely
no means to unfasten the door from the inner

English: 
again and again at the heavy door it
never budged an inch and bruised and
sweating at every pore i sat down on the
coffin and tried to collect all my
faculties Clinton was silent and seemed
utterly stunned he sat still gazing with
a vacant stare at the door
dragged heavily and there was nothing to
do but to wait for a horrible death from
starvation it was more than likely to
that Clinton would go mad already his
nerves were strained to the utmost all
together I had never found myself in a
worse plate it seemed like an eternity
that we sat there neither of us speaking
a word over and over again I repeated to
myself the words of the terrible curse

English: 
side. Taking a few short steps, I flung myself
again and again at the heavy door. It never
budged an inch, and, bruised and sweating
at every pore, I sat down on the coffin and
tried to collect all my faculties.
Clinton was silent, and seemed utterly stunned.
He sat still, gazing with a vacant stare at
the door.
The time dragged heavily, and there was nothing
to do but to wait for a horrible death from
starvation. It was more than likely, too,
that Clinton would go mad; already his nerves
were strained to the utmost. Altogether I
had never found myself in a worse plight.
It seemed like an eternity that we sat there,
neither of us speaking a word. Over and over
again I repeated to myself the words of the
terrible curse: "And whoso entereth into the

English: 
and whoso entereth into the cell shall
be the prisoner of the soul that guarded
the door
when it shall let him go when would the
shapeless form that was inside the
coffin let us go doubtless when our
bones were dry I looked at my watch it
was half-past eleven o'clock surely we
had been more than ten minutes in this
awful place we had left the house at
11:00 and I knew that must have been
many hours ago I glanced at the
second-hand the watch had stopped what
is the time Clinton I asked my watch has
stopped what does it matter he murmured
what is time to us now the sooner we die
the better he pulled out his watch as he
spoke and held it to the lantern

English: 
cell shall be the prisoner of the soul that
guardeth the door till it shall let him go."
When would the shapeless form that was inside
the coffin let us go? Doubtless when our bones
were dry.
I looked at my watch. It was half-past eleven
o'clock. Surely we had been more than ten
minutes in this awful place! We had left the
house at eleven, and I knew that must have
been many hours ago. I glanced at the second
hand. The watch had stopped.
"What is the time, Clinton?" I asked. "My
watch has stopped."
"What does it matter?" he murmured. "What
is time to us now? The sooner we die the better."
He pulled out his watch as he spoke, and held
it to the lantern.

English: 
"Twenty-five minutes past eleven," he murmured
dreamily.
"Good heavens!" I cried, starting up. "Has
your watch stopped, too?"
Then, like the leap of a lightning flash,
an idea struck me.
"I have got it; I have got it! My God! I believe
I have got it!" I cried, seizing him by the
arm.
"Got what?" he replied, staring wildly at
me.
"Why, the secret — the curse — the door.
Don't you see?"
I pulled out the large knife I always carry
by a chain and swivel in my trouser pocket,
and telling Clinton to hold the lantern, opened
the little blade-saw and attacked the coffin
with it.
"I believe the secret of our deliverance lies
in this," I panted, working away furiously.
In ten minutes I had sawn half through the
wooden edge, then, handing my tool to Clinton,

English: 
25 minutes past 11:00 he murmured
dreamily good heavens I cried starting
up as your watch stopped - then like the
leap of a lightning flash an idea struck
me I have got it I have got it
my god I believe I have got it I cried
seizing him by the arm got what he
replied
staring wildly at me by the secret the
curse the door don't you see I pulled
out the large knife
I always carry by a chain and swivel in
my trouser pocket and telling Clinton to
hold the lantern opened the little blade
saw and attacked the coffin with it
I believe the secret of our deliverance
lies in this I panted working away
furiously in ten minutes I had sawn half

English: 
way through the wooden edge then handing
my tool to Clinton I told him to
continue the work while I rested after a
few minutes I took the knife again and
at last after nearly half an hour had
gone by succeeded in making a small hole
in the lid inserting my two fingers I
felt some rough uneven Messi's I was now
fearfully excited tearing at the opening
like a madman I enlarged it and
extracted what looked like a large piece
of coal I knew in an instant what it was
it was magnetic iron ore holding it down
to my knife the blade flew to it here is
the mystery of the soul I cried now we
can use it to open the door I had known
a great conjurer once who had had
deceived and puzzled his audience with a
box trick on similar lines the man
opening the box from the inside by

English: 
I told him to continue the work while I rested.
After a few minutes I took the knife again,
and at last, after nearly half an hour had
gone by, succeeded in making a small hole
in the lid. Inserting my two fingers, I felt
some rough, uneven masses. I was now fearfully
excited. Tearing at the opening like a madman,
I enlarged it and extracted what looked like
a large piece of coal. I knew in an instant
what it was. It was magnetic iron-ore. Holding
it down to my knife, the blade flew to it.
"Here is the mystery of the soul," I cried;
"now we can use it to open the door."
I had known a great conjurer once, who had
deceived and puzzled his audience with a box
trick on similar lines: the man opening the
box from the inside by drawing down the lock

English: 
luring down the lock with a magnet would
this do the same
felt that our lives hung on the next
moment taking the mess I pressed it
against the door just opposite the hasp
and slid it up against the wood my heart
left as I heard the hasp fly up outside
and with a push the door opened we are
saved I shouted we are saved by a
miracle Bell you had a genius gasped
poor Kenton but now how about the stone
at the end of the passage we will soon
see about that like ride taking the
lantern half the danger is over at any
rate and the worst half too
we rushed along the passage and up the
stair until we reached the top
why Clinton I cried holding up the

English: 
with a magnet. Would this do the same? I felt
that our lives hung on the next moment. Taking
the mass, I pressed it against the door just
opposite the hasp, and slid it up against
the wood. My heart leapt as I heard the hasp
fly up outside, and with a push the door opened.
"We are saved," I shouted. "We are saved by
a miracle!"
"Bell, you are a genius," gasped poor Clinton;
"but now, how about the stone at the end of
the passage?"
"We will soon see about that," I cried, taking
the lantern. "Half the danger is over, at
any rate; and the worst half, too."
We rushed along the passage and up the stair
until we reached the top.
"Why, Clinton," I cried, holding up the lantern,
"the place was not shut at all."

English: 
Nor was it. In his terror he had imagined
it.
"I could not see in the dark, and I was nearly
dead with fright," he said. "Oh, Bell, let
us get out of this as quickly as we can!"
We crushed through the aperture and once more
stood in the chapel. I then pushed the stone
back into its place.
Dawn was just breaking when we escaped from
the chapel. We hastened across to the house.
In the hall the clock pointed to five.
"Well, we have had an awful time," I said,
as we stood in the hall together; "but at
least, Clinton, the end was worth the ghastly
terror. I have knocked the bottom out of your
family legend for ever."
"I don't even now quite understand," he said.
"Don't you? — but it is so easy. That coffin
never contained a body at all, but was filled,

English: 
lantern the place was not shut at all
nor was it in his terror he had imagined
it I could not see in the dark and I was
nearly dead with fright he said o Belle
let us get out of this as quickly as we
can we crushed through the aperture and
once more stood in the chapel I then
pushed the stone back into its place
Dawn was just breaking when we escaped
from the chapel we hastened across to
the house in the hall the clock pointed
to five well we have had an awful time I
said as we stood in the hall together
but at least Clinton the end was worth
the ghastly terror
I have knocked the bottom out of your
family legend forever
I don't even now quite understand he
said don't you but it is so easy that
coffin never contained a body at all but
was filled as you perceive with
fragments of magnetic iron or for what

English: 
diabolical purposes the cell was
intended it is of course impossible to
say but that it must have been meant as
a human trap that is little doubt
the inventor certainly exercised no
small ingenuity when he devised his
diabolical plot for it was obvious that
the door which was made of iron would
swing towards the coffin wherever it
happened to be placed
thus the door would swing shut if the
coffin were inside the cell and would
remain open if the coffin were brought
out a clever a method for simulating a
spiritual agency it would be hard to
find
of course the monk must have known well
that magnetic iron or never loses its
quality and would ensure the deception
remaining potent for ages
how did you discover by means of our
watches asked Clinton anyone who

English: 
as you perceive, with fragments of magnetic
iron-ore. For what diabolical purposes the
cell was intended, it is, of course, impossible
to say; but that it must have been meant as
a human trap there is little doubt. The inventor
certainly exercised no small ingenuity when
he devised his diabolical plot, for it was
obvious that the door, which was made of iron,
would swing towards the coffin wherever it
happened to be placed. Thus the door would
shut if the coffin were inside the cell, and
would remain open if the coffin were brought
out. A cleverer method for simulating a spiritual
agency it would be hard to find. Of course,
the monk must have known well that magnetic
iron-ore never loses its quality and would
ensure the deception remaining potent for
ages."
"But how did you discover by means of our
watches?" asked Clinton.

English: 
understands magnetism can reply to that
I said it is a well-known fact that a
strong magnet plays havoc with watches
the fact of both our watches going wrong
first gave me a clue to the mystery
later in the day the whole of this
strange affair was explained to miss
Carson and not long afterwards the
passage and entrance to the chapel were
bricked up it is needless to add that
six months later the pair were married
and I believe are as happy as they
deserve you've been listening to a
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English: 
"Any one who understands magnetism can reply
to that," I said. "It is a well-known fact
that a strong magnet plays havoc with watches.
The fact of both our watches going wrong first
gave me a clue to the mystery."
Later in the day the whole of this strange
affair was explained to Miss Curzon, and not
long afterwards the passage and entrance to
the chapel were bricked up.
It is needless to add that six months later
the pair were married, and, I believe, are
as happy as they deserve.
