"I have brought the keys with me; I thought perhaps you'd like to see it. I've seen strange sights hereabouts. I never come nigh the place at night: there's things chill the marrow in one's bones," and he gave a slight shudder. Carl laughed. He was no believer in ghosts and such-like superstitions. "Yer can laugh," said Tom irritably, "but I've seen 'em I tell ye. My eyes are good evidence, I can't doubt 'em." "I was not laughing at what you thought you've seen," said Carl. "Thought!" exclaimed Tom. "There's no thought about it; it's gospel truth." "What did you see?" "It's strange, beyond telling. There's been murder done in yon keep many a time; it's a gruesome place," and he pointed across the dark water to the round, ancient, tower-like building, whose stones gave evidence of many centuries' battling with storm and tempest. "Looks a bit lonesome." "It is. You see that spot near the wall? Well, it's dark and deep, and one night I saw her rise out from the depth. She wailed and threw up her arms, then she sank. She came up again, and a third time; then there was a splash and she disappeared. It was a great stone struck her down. From yon small window, that slit in the wall, I saw a face looking out. It was an awful face, must have been near kin to the devil's; the thing groaned, broke into a harsh laugh, and it vanished. Lord, I never want to see such sights again! My hair turned gray," said Tom. Carl was amused. He humored him. "Strange happenings indeed," he said. "What's it like inside?" "I'll show you, but you had best go in alone. I've had enough of the d----d place," answered Tom. He got into the boat, took the solitary oar and placed it in the rollock [Transcriber's note: rowlock?] at the stern; Carl stepped in and stood up. "Best sit," said Tom; "it's a crazy old craft." "Why doesn't Mr. Chesney have a new one?" "Don't know; thinks it's good enough for the job, I expect. He never encourages folks' going to the keep." "But he allows you to carry the keys?" "Yes; he trusts me. He knows I'm none too fond of the devilish hole." Tom ferried across to the broken-down landing-place near the door of the keep. They got out. "Here you are," said Tom. "Go inside if you wish." Carl took the key. "I'll not be long," he said, as he put it in the lock. It turned with difficulty, and as he pushed the nail-studded old oak door open there was a cool, damp, vault-like smell. "Reckon you'll come out quick enough," said Tom. "Best be careful; there's some old broken steps lead down under the moat--a dungeon or summat's there." He swore as his foot slipped and he almost fell into the water. "That's a sure sign we're not wanted here," said Tom gloomily.