Up to this moment I had felt no fear at my situation. It seemed indeed to be something of a practical joke at which I could afford to laugh. I had evidently wandered into the wrong building, been mistaken for a detective, or a tax collector, or some equally unpleasant person, and had been turned in here out of the way of doing mischief. I had but to reveal the object of my visit--provided I could find anybody to reveal it to--and I should be sent on my way with apologies. But some remembrance of the gruesome tales of the deeds that had been done in these labyrinths suggested that the sooner I found speech with some one, the better chance of safety I should have. I was about to venture down the passage in search of a guide when I was startled to hear a voice speaking in my ear in perfect English: "If Mr. Hampden will have the patience to wait a moment, he will be welcome." It was the voice of Big Sam, and I looked about me with the thought that I should find him at my side. But I was still the only tenant of the passage, and in perplexity I scanned the walls and ceiling. At a second glance my eye lighted upon a small bull’s-eye of glass set in the wall. It doubtless served as an observatory from which suspicious characters might be examined, and some arrangement of speaking tubes gave communication by voice. "Thank you," I said, as I made these observations. "I am in no hurry." I had scarce spoken when a part of the wall swung back, and Big Sam stood in the opening. *CHAPTER XIII* *THE WISDOM OF HIS ANCESTORS* Big Sam was dressed in a long dark robe figured with fantastic markings in gold thread, and, as he stood in the opening in the wall, had the appearance of an astrologer who took himself seriously. His face wore a grave smile, and he bowed, as though he were receiving me under the most conventional circumstances. "Step this way, if you please, Mr. Hampden," he said with quiet dignity. I hastened to quit the bare and narrow prison, and was astonished to find myself amid the oriental splendor of Big Sam’s room of state. "I ask your pardon for the somewhat unceremonious welcome you have had," said Big Sam, motioning me to a chair, and taking his seat behind the great carved desk. "Don’t mention it," I said. "I suppose it’s your customary way of paying honor to distinguished guests." Big Sam gave my pleasantry a dignified smile. "We have to be prepared for more than one kind of visitor," he said. "Perhaps it is unnecessary to call your attention to the circumstance that you made no saving of time when you declined to give your name and business to the man who met you at the foot of the stairs. It is a mere detail, but on your next visit you will find a shorter way to this room by sending up your name." "I shall take advantage of the permission, but I didn’t suppose it necessary."