MISS WILLIFRED DECLARES HERSELF I glanced at the various rooms up stairs, but nothing seemed exactly suitable for our purpose, and, finally, taking a trooper along to hold a light, explored the basement with better results.

Here I found a considerable cellar, divided into two sections, the floor of stone slabs, and the walls well bricked.

Iron bars, firmly set, protected the small windows, and altogether the place appeared favorable for our purpose.

To be sure, desperate prisoners could not be confined in such quarters for any length of time, but it would answer temporarily, providing we left a guard within.

Satisfied as to this, after fixing up a stout bar across the door, I returned to the first floor, and gave orders to have the men taken below.