for any such explanation. I opened the lid of the
chest and found it empty. Again the noise, now
from _under_ the chest. I was just strong enough
to move the chest; I turned it over and slid it
down the stairs on to the next landing. Again the
noise, and again the 'Hush!' which now appeared to
come from the floor where the coffer had stood.

"I felt I would rather have had some one with me
to assist in my investigation, and to join me in
making the acquaintance of the ghost; but,
although my sensations were probably the most
uncomfortable I ever experienced, I was
determined, if possible, to unearth the mystery.

"The light was imperfect, and I went to another
part of the house for a candle to enable me to
examine the floor. In my absence the noise was
repeated louder than ever, and not unlike distant
thunder. On my return, I was saluted with 'Hush!'
which I felt convinced came from a voice
immediately under the floor. By the light of the
candle I examined the dark oak boards, and
discovered what appeared to be a trap door about
two feet six inches square. The floor at some time
had been varnished, and the cracks, or joints of
the trap, had been filled and sealed with the
varnish. I now hoped I had found the habitation of
my troublesome and noisy guest. I procured a
chisel and cut the varnished joint, and found that
there was a trap door, as I supposed. By the aid
of a long screwdriver I was able to move the door,
but at that moment a repetition of the noise,
immediately under me, made me hesitate for a
moment to try and raise it. With feelings better
imagined than described, I raised the lid, and
looked into a dark chasm. All was still, and I
heard the cathedral bell tolling the hour of
midnight. A long African spear was in the corner
near me, and I struck this into the opening. I
tied a string to the candlestick to lower it into
the opening, but at this moment I was startled,
and was for the first time nervous, or I may say,
frightened; but this had better remain for another
chapter.