At the kitchen door they stopped, and the Consul called for the lights.

A commotion was heard inside, and in a few seconds Miss Cordsen appeared with two ancient candlesticks.
Each took his own light--they never made any mistake as to which was which--and descended the stairs which led to the dark cellar.

They first arrived at a large outer cellar, where it was comparatively light, in which were stored the wines which were in ordinary use, such as St.
Julien, Rhine wine, Graves, and brandy.

This was all under the charge of Miss Cordsen, who, in accordance with the _regime_ which had come down from the old Consul's time, produced the different wines according to the number and importance of the guests.

In the darkest corner of the cellar there was an old keyhole, only known to the Consul, but he could find it in the dark.