Page:Tales of old Lusitania.djvu/139

Rh

The young man's curiosity was fairly roused, and he resolved at all hazards to explore the mysterious chambers of this tower, trusting that either his magic boots, cloak, or key would help him to avert any evil influence which the inhabitants of that haunted place might bring to bear against him. Besides, he remembered that he could always call up the friendly assistance of the kings—the husbands of his three sisters. "Boots," said he, "take me to yonder tower." Scarcely had he pronounced the words when instantly he found himself before the great edifice, and finding its massive gates wide open he entered.

His first sensation on entering was one of awe, for no human sound was heard to disturb the oppressive stillness and loneliness; while the dim lurid light that filled the place sent a chill to his heart. But, being fully determined to investigate the mysteries here hid from human sight, he took courage, and boldly strode along the first passage he came to. As he went along, peering into the different chambers, whose doors stood open with their hinges rusty from