et me my box?"

"Yes!"

"And bring it to me here as early the next day as you can leave Mrs.
Packard?"

"Yes."

"Oh, you don't know what this means to me."

I had a suspicion, but held my peace and let her rhapsodize.

"No one in all my life has ever shown me so much kindness! Are you sure
you won't be tempted to tell any one what you mean to do?"

"Quite sure."

"And will go down into the cellar and get this box for me, all by
yourself?"

"Yes, if you demand it."

"I do; you will see why some day."

"Very well, you can trust me. Now tell me where I am to find the brick
you designate."

"It's in the cellar wall, about half-way down on the right-hand side.
You will see nothing but stone for a foot or two above the floor, but
after that comes the brick wall. On one of these bricks you will detect
a cross scratched. That's the one. It will look as well cemented as the
rest, but if you throw water against it, you will find that in a little
while you will be able to pry it out. Take something to do this with, a
knife or a pair of scissors. When the brick falls out, feel behind with
your hand and you will find the box."

"A questionable task. What if I should be seen at it?"

"The ghost will protect you!"

Again that smile of mingled sarcasm and innuendo. It was no common
servant girl's smile, any more than her language was that of the
ignorant domestic.

"I believe the ghost fails to walk since the present tenants came into
the house," I remarked.

"But its reputation remains; you'll not be disturbed."

"Possibly not; a good reason why you might safely undertake the business
yourself. I can find some way of letting you in."

"No, no. I shall never again cross that threshold!" Her whole attitude
showed revolt and bitter determination.

"Yet you have never been frightened by anything there?"

"I know; but I have suffered; that is, for one who has no feelings. The
box will have to remain in its place undisturbed if you won't get it for
me."

"Positively?"

"Yes, Miss; nothing would induce me even to cross the street. But I want
the box."

"You shall have it," said I.

CHAPTER XII. SEARCHINGS

I seemed bound to be the prey of a divided duty. As I crossed the
street, I asked myself which of the two experiments I had in mind should
occupy my attention first. Should I proceed at once with that close
study and detailed examination of the house, which I contemplated in my
eagerness to est