`` If I can not get me forth out of this house , '' he thought , `` I am a dead man ! And this poor Matcham , too -- to what a cockatrice 's nest have I not led him ! '' He was still so thinking , when there came one in haste , to bid him help in changing his arms , his clothing , and his two or three books , to a new chamber . `` A new chamber ? '' he repeated . `` Wherefore so ? What chamber ? '' '' 'T is one above the chapel , '' answered the messenger . `` It hath stood long empty , '' said Dick , musing . `` What manner of room is it ? '' `` Nay , a brave room , '' returned the man . `` But yet '' -- lowering his voice -- `` they call it haunted . '' `` Haunted ? '' repeated Dick , with a chill . `` I have not heard of it . Nay , then , and by whom ? '' The messenger looked about him ; and then , in a low whisper , `` By the sacrist of St. John 's , '' he said . `` They had him there to sleep one night , and in the morning -- whew ! -- he was gone . The devil had taken him , they said ; the more betoken , he had drunk late the night before . ''
XXXXX followed the man with black forebodings .
Dick John Matcham before betoken chamber cockatrice morning night room