He therefore posted his men with great skill and acumen; and knowing the house accurately, was able to feel secure that if this were the game being played, the prey would sooner or later be his.
Lord Mortimer, on the other hand, gave his attention to the panelled walls, the carved chimney pieces, the flooring of the old rooms; and many were the blows struck here and there by his orders, and great was the damage done to certain panelled rooms, in the hopes of coming upon some masked door or passage.
It was this energy on his part that caused such anxiety to the boys.

Suppose he were to attack the carving which really concealed the masked door in their room?
Might not his eagle eye light upon that, too, and might not all be discovered?
The boys felt almost sick with apprehension as they approached the door of their room, and Edred's whole heart went up in a voiceless prayer that no discovery might be made.
Nothing in the aspect of the room attracted comment.

All looked matter of fact and innocent enough, and the prior was growing something weary with the unavailing search.

The usual thumping on the walls was commenced; but even the carved mantel pillars were so solid that no hollow sound was given forth when they were struck.
The prior turned away.
"There is naught here, methinks, my Lord of Mortimer." "Wait one moment," replied the baron.

"This carving be something deep and ponderous.