But here, too, all was fast; nor was there a sign of any one having been near the place for years.

My hopes began to rise as Tim's fell.
"Why not come by daylight ?" said I.
"Why not get in, now we are here ?" said Tim--"unless you're afraid." "Who's afraid ?" said I, shaking the window-frame till it rattled again.
"Come to the yard," said Tim.

"There'll be a ladder there, I warrant." So we felt our way back to the side on which abutted the stable-yard, and there, sure enough, lay a crazy ladder against the wall.

It took our united strength to lift it.

To my horror, Tim suggested putting it to the window that overlooked the hall-door--that fatal window from which the poor lady had taken her last look in life.
I would fain have moved it elsewhere, but he was obstinate.