But the excitement of the boys was slowly augmenting as the party moved higher and higher in the house, leaving scouts posted in various places, and, as it were, spreading a cleverly-constructed net all through Chad, which it would be impossible for any person being hunted from spot to spot finally to escape.

The prior’s idea now was that the monk might be gliding before them from place to place, confident that his knowledge of the intricacies of the house would give him the chance of evading them at the last.  It was a desperate game, to be sure, but one that had been successfully tried by others on more than one occasion.  He therefore posted his men with great skill and acumen; and knowing the house accurately, was able to feel secure that if this were the game being played, the prey would sooner or later be his.

Lord Mortimer, on the other hand, gave his attention to the panelled walls, the carved chimney pieces, the flooring of the old rooms; and many were the blows struck here and there by his orders, and great was the damage done to certain panelled rooms, in the hopes of coming upon some masked door or passage.

It was this energy on his part that caused such anxiety to the boys.  Suppose he were to attack the carving which really concealed the masked door in their room?  Might not his eagle eye light upon that, too, and might not all be discovered?  The boys felt almost sick with apprehension as they approached the door of their room, and Edred’s whole heart went up in a voiceless prayer that no discovery might be made.

Nothing in the aspect of the room attracted comment.  All looked matter of fact and innocent enough, and the prior was growing something weary with the unavailing search.  The usual thumping on the walls was commenced; but even the carved mantel pillars were so solid that no hollow sound was given forth when they were struck.  The prior turned away.

“There is naught here, methinks, my Lord of Mortimer.”

“Wait one moment,” replied the baron.  “This carving be something deep and ponderous.  I always suspect traps when I see such pains bestowed upon it.  Let me examine a while further.  These grapes look to me as if they had been fingered something often.  Let me examine further.”

Edred’s heart was in his mouth.  It was all he could do to restrain himself from seeking to attract the prior’s attention in another direction; but his sound sense told him that this sudden interruption would be suspicious.  Julian nipped him by the arm, as those strong fingers went travelling over the carved work with dire intent.  Both started when the Lord of Mortimer exclaimed: 

“Take away yon chest; it encumbers me.”

The servants did his bidding in a moment; and then a sudden change came over his face.  The eager look died away.  He remained awhile looking down at the floor, which was covered with dust and flue, as was also the carving which had been concealed behind the chest.  The prior looked down too, and shrugged his shoulders.