"I presume," he said, "that this is Low Dudgeon. I have heard of it, but I have never seen it. It was formerly, some hundred years ago, the headquarters of the pirates. But something occurred here, I do not know what, which impelled the pirates to move. They accordingly built themselves a much better residence, known as High Dudgeon, where I understand they now live. I do not believe that Low Dudgeon has been occupied since. Gentlemen," he said, turning to his companions, "we are fortunate in having found this interesting place at last, after so much trouble. It is the very spot in which to begin our researches." A murmur of approval arose from the other members of the committee. "I don't know whether it's occupied or not," said Aunt Amanda. "Ketch told me that no one lives there, and that there's thirteen of 'em; and he seemed to be afraid of the place. And there's a light up there. I don't understand it." "Gentlemen," said the Third Vice-President, "is it the sense of the committee that we begin our researches in Low Dudgeon?" Every member of the Daft Committee murmured his assent. "If we go into the forest," said Toby, "we may be caught; if we go in here, we are safe for a while, anyway, and we can decide there what we had better do; maybe these gentlemen can send for help. Anyway, let's get in if we can." The riders dismounted from their mules and tied them to trees; in another moment the whole party were standing before the door of the tower. "Better knock," said Toby. They knocked, and knocked again; there was no answer. "Aunt Amanda," said Toby, "try your key." Aunt Amanda tried the key, and it fitted; she turned it, and the lock snapped back. Toby thrust open the door. The company entered, and Toby took the key and locked the door behind them. They were in a dark passage, near the foot of a winding stair. "We had better go up where the light is," said Toby, in a whisper. They went cautiously and noiselessly up the stair to the landing. There they found themselves in a hall, and at a little distance down the hall they saw a dim light shining under a closed door. "There it is," said Toby. "Come on." With the same breathless caution they tiptoed to the door. It had no lock, and Toby turned the knob and slowly pushed it open. "Ah!" said Toby, in a frightened gasp, and started back. The others crowded at his back and pushed him forward. The Third Vice-President of the Society for Piratical Research brushed past him into the room, and the other six members followed him. The party of fugitives moved slowly in after them. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the center of this table stood some twenty wax tapers in silver candlesticks, burning brightly; and seated around the table were thirteen men.