. I peered into corners and dark crevices, but t t I ed any—tions. But I  been able to help looking.

    For a fees I concentrated on my pograpook ss of timber planks t used to s massive frame.

    trying to get t picture of t stone fireplace, I , leaning sliged my sligbeat. as it somet? ed deep in t of rubble beneat? But no. It o to step through.

    I side. taircase, being made of stone, act. A broad srades nos arcecture o a s its base. A kind of fancy upside-dorophe.

    taircase led to a gallery t must once ire rance o one side to tone floor belo complete. tiges of a ained but intact; a floor; doors even. It  part of t appeared to ruction. It looked like somewhere you could live.

    I took a feures and testing eac before sing my he corridor.

    t door opened onto a s fresdoors air.

    I pulled termined not to be unnerved by tc all time, I came to the second door.

    I turned t the door swing open.

    t!

    My sister!

    Almost I took a step toward her.

    Almost.

    t and tarniss t looked like ink.

    I looked doo t to step onto. ty feet onto one flags.

    I kneill my  continued its frenzy. I raised my eyes again, and te-faced ain figure trembling inside the old frame.

    Sood, oo do ep foro take it. And  not be t solution, all told, to do t and at last rejoin her?

    and tc for me?

    ‘No,“ I ill her arm beckoned me. ”I’m sorry.“ her arm slowly fell.

    took a pograph of me.

    I . I knoried.