everything goes like clockwork, Ben," said Roy, sadly.

"Better, sir; clocks get out of order; garrison like this don't. A man
or two may go wrong, but there is always more to take their places. We
did our best, and was very proud of it, sir; but it's one thing to have
three trained soldiers for your garrison and to make it stronger out of
such men as you can get together, and another thing to march in as many
as you can make room for, and all well-drilled. There, it's of no use
to grumble, sir; we did wonders.--So the general won't let you go and
see the fox's hole?"

"Yes, he will, Ben. I have the pass here to present to the officers on
duty."

"Why didn't you say so before?" cried Ben, sharply. "Come along, then,
sir. I wouldn't go and say anything to them yonder, because they might
feel a bit jealous."

Roy nodded, and followed by the old sergeant he walked straight to the
guard-room, presented his paper, feeling all the while how strange it
was to have to ask permission in his own old home. But he had no time
for thought. The officer promptly called out a sergeant, and selected
four men, and with them for guard, Roy and Ben led across the court to
the entrance of the north-west tower.

Roy felt eager and yet depressed as they passed in, the sergeant leading
and going up the spiral stairs to Master Pawson's old room, which was
partly dismantled now, and the furniture left just sufficient to provide
seats and a table for a dozen men who used it as a second guard-room.

"You don't know the way out and in by this passage, then, sir?" the
sergeant said.

"No," replied Roy, who was examining the walls. "I have no idea where
it is. Surely it can't be here?"

"Take a look round, sir; perhaps you'll make it out."

Roy did look round--an easy thing to do in a round chamber--but the
door, the one large cupboard, the locker in the window, and a broad
oaken panel over the mantelpiece were examined and in vain. The last
took his attention the most, looking as if it might be a low door-way,
and sounding hollow; but he could make nothing of it, and he fell to
examining the wainscot in other parts and the floor boards.

"Better give it up, sir," said the sergeant, smiling. "I don't suppose
any one would find it out unless it was by accident. Shall I show you
now?"

"No," said Roy, who was on his mettle; and he examined the whole place
again, beginning with the locker in the window, opening an oaken
box-li