Now, I was always a bashful girl--I mean moderately so; therefore, I never could account for the spirit that entered and moved me to say and do what I soon said and did. I happened to be standing beside Mr. Legare, and his hand rested caressingly upon my head, when he repeated: "'The half of my kingdom' to the knight that shall deliver my castle from this dragon." I answered: "Oh, your majesty! Never offer the half of your kingdom! None but a mercenary wretch would undertake the enterprise for such a bribe! Offer the hand of your princess, and a thousand lances shall be laid in rest for such a prize!" I do not know whether he discovered the serious meaning under my lightly-spoken words, for he fell into the humor of the jest, patted me on the head, and said: "Agreed! the hand of my princess to the brave knight who shall deliver me from this plague!" "I accept the challenge!" said Mr. Howard, "and promise that in twenty-four hours the mysterious carrier of the keys shall be vanquished!" "It is a treaty! It is a treaty!" exclaimed one after another of the young men and maidens who were present. Mr. Legare looked around in some confusion at being taken up so seriously, and then laughing, said: "Very well--agreed! I ratify the compact, Mr. Howard; though I don't believe your part of it can be fulfilled. And now to breakfast!" We adjourned to the old house--all who were in the secret wondering in what manner Mr. Howard would undertake to exorcise the key-demon; but all discussion was waived for the present, while we dispatched the necessary business of the table. After breakfast, Frank Howard asked for a horse and rode up to Frost Height. He was absent two hours, at the end of which time he returned, bringing with him a set of locksmith's tools, and flat piece of board, such as show-locks are sometimes screwed upon for a sign. When he had brought these things into the new house he challenged Mr. Legare and all who wished to see the mystery evolved, to accompany him to the chambers above. Of course, everybody accepted the invitation. We all went first into the gentlemen's room, and stood around in a semi-circle, with our faces toward the door, and our eyes fixed upon the lock and Frank Howard. First he turned the key, and begged that we would observe that all was fast, and watch the result. Then he came away, and we waited with our eyes fixed upon the lock. In a little less than fifteen minutes we both heard and saw the catch fly back, and the door swing open! I cannot tell you with what a superstitious thrill we all shuddered, though this was in broad daylight, and in the mutually supporting presence of a dozen persons, and, though there was a machinist on the spot, professing himself ready to demonstrate that this was a purely mechanical phenomenon! "There! ladies and gentlemen, you all see the action!" "We all see!" "No hand near the lock!" "None!" "There could have been no deception." "Assuredly not," we all declared.