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shaking her head commandingly.
    Mr Silverthorne wrinkled his nose. ‘What is?’
    â€˜Because…’ he drawled, ‘…I’ve been mugging up on those who worked here…over the years…and…’
    â€˜Ah – that’s what you were talking to yourself about when I arrived just now.’
    â€˜What was I saying?’ said Arnie.
    â€˜Something about people up in the attic…’
    Emily could hardly bare to look at him.
    â€˜Yes, that’s what I meant,’ said Arnie, trying to slip a careful wink to Emily who pressed her hands tight over her eyes.
    â€˜Well, as you can see, the time when we had a houseful of staff who could whip up a ten course meal is long gone. Though we have a daily help who rustles up something delicious – very versatile.’
    â€˜Ok, thanks,’ said Arnie unimpressed. ‘I guess it’ll be fine, I just about eat anything except…’
    â€˜But sadly,’ Mr Silverthorne continued, ‘I fear she is not going to make it back here until the weather improves.’
    Arnie nodded as his tummy groaned and rumbled again.
    â€˜Though Towersee might be able to put together some fish paste sandwiches! It’s his speciality. Do you like mackerel?’
    Arnie pulled a face and looked slightly sick.
    â€˜Yes – well…look – I
do
know where there is a packet of rich tea biscuits, always a good standby in an emergency. I’ll leave them in the Blue Room – you’ll find it diagonally across from the hall stairs. Be a good place to rest up until you need your bed.’
    Arnie nodded his thanks. Mr Silverthorne was about to go when Emily sneezed again. Mr Silverthorne turned back and slowly walked towards Arnie until he was a nose distance away.
    â€˜Everything is all right, isn’t it?’ he said lightly, though his face displayed some concern.
    â€˜Yes, I think so,’ Arnie said innocently.
    â€˜You sure?’
    â€˜There is one thing…’
    â€˜Yes?’ wondered Mr Silverthorne.
    â€˜I was just…thinking about the choice for my essay that’s all; the one I was supposed to write while I was here…’
    â€˜And what is that?’
    â€˜The priest hole idea?’
    â€˜Ah I see,’ nodded Mr Silverthorne thoughtfully. ‘Well, you have all night to look for it I suppose. If one exists…’
    Arnie looked at him with a vacant expression. ‘No help then,’ he finally concluded.
    Mr Silverthorne studied him carefully before returning a smile. ‘I’ll be spending the night here also – so should you need me – first floor, second door on the left. The Ivory Room, where you’ll be sleeping is directly above mine.’
    â€˜Ok,’ nodded Arnie.
    â€˜Good hunting then.’ Mr Silverthorne gathered himself and headed off into the soupy night air. ‘And be sure not to go to bed too late.’

CHAPTER SIX

    A Fireside Chat

    As soon as the click-clack of Mr Silverthorne’s cane had faded, Emily broke away from the wall.
    â€˜Why did they ignore me? They said nothing!’ she whispered, as if still frightened of being overheard.
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Arnie said, trying to work it out. ‘They must have seen you there – you had no way of hiding.’
    Emily turned to him. ‘Arnie, what was it he, Mr Silverthorne, said to you after the others had gone?’
    â€˜That there was no chance of any decent tuck.’
    â€˜No, not that,’ said Emily, thinking hard.
    â€˜Um…I’m not sure,’ said Arnie unhelpfully.
    â€˜I remember!’ she said convinced. ‘He said you were “talking to yourself”, not
who
were you talking to. He couldn’t
hear me! Or
see
me either!’
    â€˜So what’s all that about?’ said Arnie, slightly confused. ‘You’re not
really
a ghost are you?’
    Emily smiled, ‘No more than you’re a