it–but his utmoſt ſtrength could not open it again. After ſeveral ineffectual attempts, he looked behind him, and beheld, acroſs a hall, upon a large ſtair-caſe, a pale bluiſh flame, which caſt a diſmal gleam of light around. He again ſummoned forth his courage, and advanced toward it–it retired. He came to the foot of the ſtairs; and, after a moment’s deliberation, aſcended. He went ſlowly up, the flame retiring before him, till he came to a wide gallery. The flame proceeded along it, and he followed in ſilent horror, treading lightly, for the echoes of his footſteps ſtartled him: It led him to the foot of another ſtair-caſe, and then vaniſhed! At the ſame inſtant another toll ſounded from the turret. Sir Bertrand felt it ſtrike upon his heart. He was now in total darkneſs; and, with his arms extended, began to aſcend the ſecond ſtair-caſe. A dead cold hand met his left hand, and firmly grafſped it, drawing him forcibly forward–he endeavoured to diſengage himſelf, but could not he made a furious blow with his ſword, and inſtantly a loud ſhriek pierced his ears, and the dead hand was left powerleſs in his–he dropped it, and ruſhed forward with a deſperate valour.
The ſtairs were narrow and winding, and interrupted by frequent breaches, and looſe fragments of ſtones. The ſtair-caſe declined narrower and narrower, and at length terminated in a low iron grate. Sir Bertrand puſhed it open it led to an intricate winding paſſage, juſt large enough to admit a perſon upon his hands and knees. A faint glimmering of light ſerved to ſhow the nature of the place. Sir Bertrand entered–a deep hollow groan reſounded from a diſtance through the vault–he went forward; and, proceeding beyond the firſt turning, diſcerned the ſame blue flame which had before conducted him–he followed it. The vault, at length, ſuddenly opened into a lofty gallery, in the midſt of which a figure appeared, completely armed, thruſting forward the bloody ſtump of an arm, with a terrible frown, and menacing geſture, brandiſhing a ſword in his hand. Sir Ber-
