visible. It was now at the summit of what
seemed to be a long white pole, near the top of which were two pendant
white masses, like rudimentary arms or fins. The green light, strangely
enough, did not seem lessened by the surrounding starlight, but had a
clearer effect and a deeper green. Whilst they were carefully regarding
this--Adam with the aid of an opera-glass--their nostrils were assailed
by a horrid stench, something like that which rose from the well-hole in
Diana's Grove.

By degrees, as their eyes got the right focus, they saw an immense
towering mass that seemed snowy white. It was tall and thin. The lower
part was hidden by the trees which lay between, but they could follow the
tall white shaft and the duplicate green lights which topped it. As they
looked there was a movement--the shaft seemed to bend, and the line of
green light descended amongst the trees. They could see the green light
twinkle as it passed between the obstructing branches.

Seeing where the head of the monster was, the two men ventured a little
further forward, and saw that the hidden mass at the base of the shaft
was composed of vast coils of the great serpent's body, forming a base
from which the upright mass rose. As they looked, this lower mass moved,
the glistening folds catching the moonlight, and they could see that the
monster's progress was along the ground. It was coming towards them at a
swift pace, so they turned and ran, taking care to make as little noise
as possible, either by their footfalls or by disturbing the undergrowth
close to them. They did not stop or pause till they saw before them the
high dark tower of Doom.

CHAPTER XXIII--IN THE ENEMY'S HOUSE

Sir Nathaniel was in the library next morning, after breakfast, when Adam
came to him carrying a letter.

"Her ladyship doesn't lose any time. She has begun work already!"

Sir Nathaniel, who was writing at a table near the window, looked up.

"What is it?" said he.

Adam held out the letter he was carrying. It was in a blazoned envelope.

"Ha!" said Sir Nathaniel, "from the White Worm! I expected something of
the kind."

"But," said Adam, "how could she have known we were here? She didn't
know last night."

"I don't think we need trouble about that, Adam. There is so much we do
not understand. This is only another mystery. Suffice it that she does
know--perhaps it is all the better and safer for us."

"How is that?" asked Adam wi