to see that all was secure, and she had, contrary to her
practice, taken the key from the door of the library in order that
Miss Penfold might enter it if she chose. But the thought now flashed
across her that possibly she might intend to open the secret room; and
to prevent this she now thrust the barrel of the pistol she carried in
between the back of the bolt and the piece of iron against which it
shot, so that the action of the springs could not throw it out of its
place.

Breathlessly she listened. Presently she heard a sharp click in the
wall behind her. She had scarcely time to wonder what this meant when
she heard a sound in the lock close to her. It was repeated again and
again. Then she felt a slight tremor of the door as if somebody was
trying to shake it. Her heart almost stood still. Miss Penfold was
evidently trying to open the chamber; and, though she knew the lock
could not open so long as she held the pistol in the place, she felt
her breath coming fast and her heart beating. For five minutes the
attempts to open the door continued. Then all was still again.

For half an hour she remained without moving; then, as all continued
quiet, she guessed that Miss Penfold, finding the springs did not act,
had returned to her room. She now rose to her feet, drew out her dark
lantern, and turned to the wall by her side. She gave an exclamation
of joy--the stone that she had so long vainly endeavored to move was
swung open. Miss Penfold who of course had the secret, had touched the
spring outside before attempting to open the chamber, and the stone,
which was set in iron, had swung open on a hinge. In a moment Mrs.
Conway explored the contents. The closet was about two feet square by
nine inches in depth, and contained two shelves. There were several
papers in it, and the very first upon which she placed her hand was
marked "The Last Will and Testament of Herbert Penfold."

So overwhelmed was Mrs. Conway at this termination to her long search
that she sank on the ground, and it was some time before she could
collect herself sufficiently to consider what was her best course. It
was evident that for some reason Miss Penfold had been about to visit
the secret room to see that the will was still in safety. The failure
of the springs to act had, of course, disconcerted her; but she might
try again in the morning, and would then be able to enter the room,
and would discover that the will was missing.

It was clearly