"
"What's--this?"
Nat had come upon a joining in the woodwork.
"That's it!" declared the major, examining the crack carefully. "But where
might it open?"
All, even old Abe, felt the wall, up and down, covering every inch within
reach.
"There!" exclaimed the major finally. "I've covered a square. It opens
from the other side. Tom, here with your ax!"
Dorothy and Tavia had heard every word. Now they stopped their ears. It
was too dreadful.
Blow after blow fell on the heavy woodwork.
Chop! Chop! Chop!
But not a word was spoken.
Then the sound of splintered wood.
The panel was falling in.
"Careful!" cautioned Major Dale.
"There she goes!"
Another scream!
"Here, now!" cried the major, seizing the lamp and dashing through the
opening with the agility of a schoolboy. "Just surrender, and stop that!"
But he almost fell back--Tom's arm saved him.
"I never!" he exclaimed. "It's old Captain Mayberry!"
CHAPTER XXIV
THE RESCUE
The sight that had so suddenly shocked Major Dale and his helpers was
indeed appalling.
Within the secret room they had found a man, not a ghost nor a demon, but
a sick, almost helpless old man--the once popular Captain Mayberry.
At a glance it was plain he was in hiding in the wretched place, and the
surroundings showed he had food and some of life's necessities within
reach, although the very rats, whose presence were painfully evident, must
have enjoyed a keener advantage in the mansion, once proud of the name
"Mayberry.
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