“If I can do it without disturbing the manifestation,” agreed Mansfield, and went on with his preparations for observing, in a thoroughly scientific spirit, any phenomenon that might occur. He looped back the curtain which had been hung over the entrance to the passage, and arranged his bed directly opposite the opening, so that he could command both sides of the passage as far as the light of the lamp would extend. The lamp itself he placed in such a position that he himself was left in shadow, while the eyes of any intruder would be dazzled. Then he wrapped himself in his cloak, leaving a peep-hole through which he could see without being seen, lay down with his cocked revolver in his hand, and waited. He waited so long, with every sense on the alert, yet disturbed only by purely imaginary noises, that he rebuked himself impatiently when it seemed to him that he felt a breath of cold air in his face, and that he heard at the same moment a slight rustle. But no, this time there was no delusion. From the darkness of the passage emerged the little old woman of whom Mr Hicks had spoken. She gave a quick glance round the cave, then turned her head for a moment, and a taller woman, also wrapped in the swathing white draperies, followed her out into the light. Mansfield’s heart stood still as the two white figures moved softly to Cyril’s side, and stood looking down at him. Could they intend to murder him? But even as he raised his revolver noiselessly to cover them, the taller woman’s veil dropped from her face, and he saw that her hands were clasped convulsively on her breast. Still she stood looking down at the sleeper, until her companion touched her gently, when, to Mansfield’s utter bewilderment, she stooped and kissed Cyril softly on the forehead. The old woman drew her away, and they vanished. CHAPTER XVII. FACE TO FACE. “Mansfield, was any one in here last night?” “Why--er--how do you mean, Count? Oh, when the sheikh’s son brought the coffee?” “No, no, much later than that. Was there any one?” “I--I suppose there must have been. I don’t know.” “But why do you suppose so? because I ask you, or because you saw some one? Why can’t you say?” “Because I am not sure. I saw something.” “But what could it have been if it was not a person? a ghost?” An embarrassed laugh from Mansfield revealed that the chance shot had hit the mark, and Cyril’s eyes gleamed with mischievous delight. “Come, this is interesting! Let us hear about it.” “Well, Count, I saw--at least, I thought I saw--two ladies come into the cave from the passage and look at you.” “How flattering! Did you see their faces?” “The first lady was old and bent. I think Mr Hicks caught sight of her the night before, and frightened her away. There was nothing particular about her face. The other was taller, but not really tall. She let her veil fall when she was standing beside you, and I saw that her hair was white, but her face looked quite young--comparatively.”