Rising, she said in a whisper, "Go silently into the next room, and remain perfectly still.

I believe that's the woman now.

I'll manage her as best I can." Almost as quick as thought, Mrs.Dinneford vanished through a door that led into an adjoining room, and closing it noiselessly, turned a key that stood in the lock, then sat down, trembling with nervous alarm.

The room in which she found herself was small, and overlooked the street; it was scantily furnished as a bed-room.

In one corner, partly hid by a curtain that hung from a hoop fastened to the wall, was an old wooden chest, such as are used by sailors.