The astonishment of Preble Key on recognizing the gateway into which the mysterious lady had vanished was so great that he was at first inclined to believe her entry THERE a mere trick of his fancy.

That the confederate of a gang of robbers should be admitted to the austere recesses of the convent, with a celerity that bespoke familiarity, was incredible.

He again glanced up and down the length of the shadowed but still visible wall.

There was no one there.

The wall itself contained no break or recess in which one could hide, and this was the only gateway.