All he could say as we approached the door of the silent and solitary building--and he said that with extreme difficulty--was, "Pray let us be careful!" The landlord was the first to reach the door.

I was behind him.

The rector--at some little distance--acted as rear-guard, with the South Downs behind him to retreat upon.

Gootheridge rapped smartly on the door, and called out, "Mr.Dubourg!" There was no answer.

There was only a dreadful silence.