and Tabby, were all in bed,—the girls free to pace up

light him down the dark stairs.

'Light him down,' said Sikes, who was filling his pipe. 'It's a

pity he should break his neck himself, and disappoint the

sight-seers. Show him a light.'

Nancy followed the old man downstairs, with a candle. When they

reached the passage, he laid his finger on his lip, and drawing

close to the girl, said, in a whisper.

'What do you mean?' replied the girl, in the same tone.