It was a desperate game, to be sure, but one that had
been successfully tried by others on more than one occasion. He
therefore posted his men with great skill and acumen; and knowing
the house accurately, was able to feel secure that if this were the
game being played, the prey would sooner or later be his.

Lord Mortimer, on the other hand, gave his attention to the
panelled walls, the carved chimney pieces, the flooring of the old
rooms; and many were the blows struck here and there by his orders,
and great was the damage done to certain panelled rooms, in the
hopes of coming upon some masked door or passage.

It was this energy on his part that caused such anxiety to the
boys. Suppose he were to attack the carving which really concealed
the masked door in their room? Might not his eagle eye light upon
that, too, and might not all be discovered? The boys felt almost
sick with apprehension as they approached the door of their room,
and Edred's whole heart went up in a voiceless prayer that no
discovery might be made.

Nothing in the aspect of the room attracted comment. All looked
matter of fact and innocent enough, and the prior was growing
something weary with the unavailing search. The usual thumping on
the walls was commenced; but even the carved mantel pillars were so
solid that no hollow sound was given forth when they were struck.
The prior turned away.

"There is naught here, methinks, my Lord of Mortimer."

"Wait one moment," replied the baron. "This carving be something
deep and ponderous. I always suspect traps when I see such pains
bestowed upon it. Let me examine a while further. These grapes look
to me as if they had been fingered something often. Let me examine
further."

Edred's heart was in his mouth. It was all he could do to restrain
himself from seeking to attract the prior's attention in another
direction; but his sound sense told him that this sudden
interruption would be suspicious. Julian nipped him by the arm, as
those strong fingers went travelling over the carved work with dire
intent. Both started when the Lord of Mortimer exclaimed:

"Take away yon chest; it encumbers me."

The servants did his bidding in a moment; and then a sudden change
came over his face. The eager look died away. He remained awhile
looking down at the floor, which was covered with dust and flue, as
was also the carving which had been concealed behind the chest. The
prior looked down too, and shrugged his s