Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/138

 had no power to hurt him. He, provoked at their incredulity, at length asked the steward if it was possible to open the door of communication, which he said led underneath to the pavilion: The other hesitated a long time; but on being urged, said,

"Perhaps it might, as it was nailed up on this side, supposing that the ghosts had not fastened it on the other, as they did the padlock door."

"But," said the woman, "it would be better to go in the day-time, and force open the front door of the pavilion."

Ferdinand hesitated and considered.—"If, as I suppose," said he, "some part of the gang are always in the house, they are doubtless prepared for resistance, and will sell their lives dearly; in forcing the door, some of us may be killed; no, let us discover, if possible, who and what they are, and then we can take measures to surprise them, perhaps without danger."

The woman shook her head.