ald
and Joseph returned in silence into the house; they retired to their
respective apartments without hearing or being heard by any one.

About the dawn of day Oswald intended to lay his packets in the way of
those to whom they were addressed; after much contrivance he determined
to take a bold step, and, if he were discovered, to frame some excuse.
Encouraged by his late success, he went on tip-toe into Master William's
chamber, placed a letter upon his pillow, and withdrew unheard. Exulting
in his heart, he attempted the Baron's apartment, but found it fastened
within. Finding this scheme frustrated, he waited till the hour the
Baron was expected down to breakfast, and laid the letter and the key of
the haunted apartment upon the table. Soon after, he saw the Baron
enter the breakfast room; he got out of sight, but staid within call,
preparing himself for a summons. The Baron sat down to breakfast; he saw
a letter directed to himself--he opened it, and to his great surprise,
read as follows:--

"The guardian of the haunted apartment to Baron Fitz-Owen. To thee I
remit the key of my charge, until the right owner shall come, who will
both discover and avenge my wrongs; then, woe be to the guilty!--But
let the innocent rest in peace. In the mean time, let none presume
to explore the secrets of my apartment, lest they suffer for their
temerity."

The Baron was struck with amazement at the letter. He took up the key,
examined it, then laid it down, and took up the letter; he was in such
confusion of thought, he knew not what to do or say for several minutes.
At length he called his servants about him; the first question he asked
was--

"Where is Edmund?"

"They could not tell.

"Has he been called?"

"Yes, my Lord, but nobody answered, and the key was not in the door."

"Where is Joseph?"

"Gone into the stables."

"Where is father Oswald?"

"In his study."

"Seek him, and desire him to come hither."

By the time the Baron had read the letter over again, he came.

He had been framing a steady countenance to answer to all
interrogatories. As he came in he attentively observed the Baron, whose
features were in strong agitation; as soon as he saw Oswald, he spoke as
one out of breath.

"Take that key, and read this letter!"

He did so, shrugged up his shoulders, and remained silent.

"Father," said my lord, "what think you of this letter?"

"It is a very surprising one."

"The contents are alarming