There was a dead silence now. Sir Francis said no more, Ada’s hope was past. Still, however, Gray stood close to her with the pistol; and as the murderer and the innocent Ada remained thus strangely situated, it would have been difficult to say which suffered the most mental agony of the two. Ada to know that relief had been so near without the power to grasp at it—or Gray to know that one word from her would have consigned him to a prison, from whence he would never have emerged but to ascend the scaffold to die a death of ignominy and shame. CHAPTER XLV. The Lonely Watcher.—Gray’s Cunning.—The Cupboard on the Stairs. Notwithstanding the search which Sir Francis Hartleton had made—a search that satisfied him that Ada had been removed from Forest’s house by the cunning of Gray—he could not divest himself of the idea that one or both might return to the old mansion, if for no other purpose than to remove some of the articles, which in the course of his researches he had found in various closets and cupboards, into which they had been hastily thrust by Jacob Gray. In case such a thing should be, after some consideration, he resolved to have one of his men there for several days, and he accordingly turned to him who had been guarding the door, and said,— “Elias, you must remain here for a few days.” “Here, Sir Francis? In this old house, your worship?” “Yes, here in this old house, Elias. You are strong, fearless, and well armed. Arrest any one who comes here.” “Yes,” said Elias, looking about him, not over well pleased with his commission, as it did not promise much comfort or sprightly company—two things that Elias was rather partial to. “I expect a thin, sallow man,” continued sir Francis, “to come here, of a pale and anxious cast of countenance. Arrest him by all means.” “Yes, your worship.” “And should a young girl come with him, or by herself, mind, Elias, she is a lady, and take care you treat her respectfully.” “A lady!” ejaculated Elias, with astonishment. “Your worship, is she a real lady, or like Moll Flaherty?” “Pshaw!” cried Sir Francis. “Treat her, I say, with respect, and bring her to me.” “Oh! Bring her to your worship—oh!” “Now you have your instructions. It’s warm, so you can do without a fire and it’s light, and smoke would scare away the people I wish to come. When you sleep, Elias, shut your door lightly, so that you may hear if any one comes. Upon consideration, however, you had better sit up all night, and sleep a little in the day time, for those that I seek are not likely to venture across the fields, lest they should be seen.” “Your worship’s unkimmon considerate, and very kind,” muttered Elias. “You have your lantern, Elias?” “Yes, your worship, and lots of little wax ends put in it.” “Very well. Now, good day. Keep a good watch, Elias—and, do you hear? There’s fifty pounds reward for either the man or the girl.” “Fifty!” “Yes, from me; so you know you are sure of it if you earn it.”