Wait and see!" "Not in this room any way," I remarked aloud, and departed in a hurry down the passage which led to the main staircase.
Before I reached its end a remarkable sight caused me to halt in the shadow.

The Atterby-Smith family were going to bed _en bloc_.

They marched in single file up the great stair, each of them carrying a hand candle.

Papa led and young Hopeful brought up the rear.

Their countenances were full of war, even the twins looked like angry lambs, but something written on them informed me that they had suffered defeat recent and grievous.