He made a careful examination of the ancient black altar, running his fingers over its dull panels. Suddenly his sea rib was rewarded; the wood still back, exposing a small compartment, into which the physician peered eagerly. As he pressed it, a small drawer flew open: Alden drew from it a roll of parchment, and was astonished to see the name of Myra's father. It was the diploma of membership in the Black Order!

Payson Alden sprang to his feet. In his excitement, he overturned the candle. The chamber was in a dark as he endeavored to find the light once more. At this juncture, the butler, on the floor above, peered into the ill-fated doorway of the secret stairs with apprehension. He heard no sound, and perceiving all dark, assumed that the doctor had left the place. With a sigh of relief, he shut the panel, automatically locking it from the outside. Unwitting of his imprisonment, the physician relighted the candle. As he looked at the stone floor of the room, he was startled to see the imprint of a naked human foot in the dust. He was certain that he had not there a moment before!

There was apparently no nearer, or within the room. He now observed other footprints. As he stepped forward, the light was slowly extinguished. There was no drought in the room; he.  I knew that, with warning, clammy hand gripped at his throat. Then a phosphorescent glow began to form by his side, as the hold was taxed. It took on the vague form of human being, the features holed barely distinguishable. 