A laugh followed this evidently witty sally.

"The guy probably lamped the swag an' died of heartfailure," suggested another.

The men were still laughing when the sound of aclanking chain echoed dismally from the cellar. In-stantly silence fell upon the very recentcomers upon the firstfloor, followed by a--"Wotinel's that?" Two of the menhad approached the staircase and started to ascend it. Slowly the uncanny clanking drew closer to the firstfloor. The girl on the bed turned toward Bridge.

"What is it?" she gasped.