Читать книгу Special Detective (Ashton-Kirk) онлайн

53 страница из 68

“It may be that at some future time, when I am in the frame of mind for quiet study, I shall avail myself of your knowledge, sir,” said Campe, as they walked toward the castle. “But at the present time,” and once more the smile, though even fainter than before, showed itself, “I am much taken up with more active matters, and have not the leisure.”

Kretz took a huge key from his pocket and unlocked the gate; then he stood aside and the others passed in. The gate was at once relocked.

“This,” said Ashton-Kirk, as he looked about, “would resist a considerable force, even in these days.”

The high grey wall towered above their heads; it was a great thickness and its strength was evident.

Young Campe looked up at it and shook his head.

“It’s strong enough,” said he. “But for all that, Mr. Ashton-Kirk, it cannot keep out thoughts; and thoughts, if they are strongly marked and along a definite line, are more to be feared than armies.”

They crossed the flagged court of which Scanlon had spoken and entered by the high, narrow door. A gloomy passage brought them to a room, the same, evidently, in which Bat had been received, for it was furnished with heavy oaken tables and chairs of ancient design, had a vaulted ceiling and was ornamented with the heads of huge stags and boars, and with trophies of arms, all of a day far past.