We looked in the direction indicated. Although it was not noticeable at first glance I now saw that the apartment was, indeed, smaller than formerly. The usual books covered the new wall, giving it much the same aspect as the old; but, where hitherto there had been nothing but shelves, a small, narrow door of black wood now broke the imposing expanse of faded volumes. “In there,” Brearley resumed, “is the Secret Place described by Khamus!” He placed his long, thin hand upon a yellow roll that lay partly opened on the table. “No one but myself may enter there--until after to-night, at any rate!” with a glance at Moris Klaw. “To the most minute particular”--patting the papyrus--“it is equipped as Khamus describes. For many months I have prepared myself, by fasting and meditation, as _he_ prepared! There was, as no doubt you know, a widespread belief in ancient times that for any but the chosen to look upon the goddess was death. As I admit the possibility of Isis existing, I must also admit the possibility of this belief being true--the more so as it is confirmed by Khamus! Therefore none may enter with me.” “One moment, Mr. Brearley,” interrupted Klaw; “in what form does Khamus relate that the goddess appeared?” A cloud crossed Brearley’s face. “It is the one point upon which he is not clear,” was the reply. “I do not know, in the least, _what_ to expect!” “Go on!” I said, quickly. Although I seriously doubted my poor friend’s sanity, I began to find the affair weirdly, uncannily fascinating. Brearley continued: “The ritual opens with a chant, which I may broadly translate as ‘The Hymn of Dedication.’ Its exact purport is not very clear to me. This hymn is the only part of the ceremony in which I am assisted. It is to be ‘sung by a virgin beyond the door.’ That is, directly I have entered yonder it must be sung out here. Ailsa has composed a sort of chant to the words, which, I think, is the proper kind of setting. Have you not, Ailsa?” She bowed her graceful head, glancing, under her lashes, toward Fairbank. “She has learned the words--for, of course, it must be sung in Egyptian----” “But have no idea of their meaning,” said his sister, softly. “That is unnecessary,” he went on, quickly. “After this, I want you all just to remain here in this room. I am afraid you will have to sit in the dark! Any sounds which you detect, please note. I will not tell you what to expect, then imagination cannot deceive you. I will be back in a moment.” With another hasty glance at his watch, he went out in high excitement. “Please,” began Ailsa Brearley, the moment he was gone, “do not think that because I assist him I approve of this attempt! I think it is horrible! But what am I to do? He is wrapped up in it! I _dare_ not try to check him!”