Thorpe had closed the doors of the rooms given over to the presence of death, and as the various members of the party came down the staircase quick apprehensive glances were followed by a look of relief. Elijah Stebbins came while breakfast was in progress, and at Milly's invitation took a seat at the board. "Well," he said heavily, "you folks wanted spooks, I hope you're satisfied." "Don't use that tone, Mr. Stebbins," Landon reproved him. "A dreadful thing has happened. I cannot think it is by supernatural causes nor can I see any other explanation. But that is no reason for you to speak flippantly of our investigations of your so-called haunted house." "No offence meant," and Stebbins cringed. "But I'm thinkin' you folks had better go away from here, or there's no tellin' what might happen." "Do you know anything about the mystery?" Professor Hardwick shot out the question so suddenly that Stebbins jumped. "No, sir, of course I don't, sir! How could I?" "Then why do you warn us off the premises?" "I don't exactly do that, but I'd think you'd reason for yourselves that what happens once can happen ag'in." The dogged look on the man's face seemed portentous of evil, and Milly began to cry. "Oh, take me home, Wynne," she begged; "I don't want to stay here!" "Come with me, Milly," said Eve, and rising, she led Milly from the room. It was shortly after that the coroner arrived. "I don't want to see that man," said Stebbins, "him and me ain't good friends," and rising quickly, the owner of the house fled toward the kitchen quarters, and spent the rest of the morning with the Thorpes out there. Doctor Crawford, the county physician and coroner, was a man of slow speech and dignified manner. He was appalled by the circumstances in which he found himself, and a little frightened at the hints he had heard of ghostly visitations. Indeed, that had been the real reason for his delay in arriving,--he had not been willing to brave the darkness of the night before. This was his secret, however, and his excuse of conflicting duties had been accepted. The whole party gathered in the hall to hear what the newcomer had to say. Eve and Milly returned, the latter, quivering and tearful, going straight to her husband's side, and sitting close to him. Norma was pale and trembling, too, and Tracy's watchful eye regarded her sympathetically, as he led her to a seat. Eve, self-reliant and calm, flitted about incessantly. She went to the kitchen and talked over household matters with Hester, for Milly was unable to do this. Then, returning, Eve went into the drawing room, and after a few moments returned, closing the door again after her. Then she stepped into the Room with the Tassels. She was there longer, but at last came out, and locking the door behind her, retained the key. No one noticed this but Norma, and she kept her own counsel, but she also kept a watchful eye on Eve.