Conducted by Hackman, and accompanied by Fisher and the former hostler, who knew all the ins and outs of the place, young Marsham visited every recess of the "Folly." Carrying to a grotesque degree the affected civility of his patron, the captain preceded them, opening all the cabinets, the wardrobes and the closets, and even inviting them to examine nooks scarcely large enough to stow away a hare in. Quite unmoved by his impertinence, Reuben and his companions sounded the walls with their sticks. "Esther! Esther!" cried Reuben in a loud voice. But there was never a reply. The officious Hackman, who stood aside at every door according to the rigid rules of French courtesy, showed them the kitchens, the offices, in fact everything, sparing no detail. He insisted that they should explore the entire length of the two subterranean passages, one of which led to the open country, the other to the river bank. "Now," he remarked, "you know the house as well as its architect." "Well?" inquired Mowbray of young Marsham when he returned from his fruitless exploration. "I have found nothing, my lord," answered Reuben with a tinge of embarrassment. "Then undoubtedly you divine what I expect of you." "That I dismiss the men? I was about to do so." He stepped out upon the balcony and addressed his companions. "The young girl whom I sought is not here; at least she is no longer here. Consequently your presence is no longer required and you may retire." A muttering of evil augury arose from the ranks of the little group. "These gentlemen will not go," suggested Mowbray, "until my butler has given each of them a half-guinea with which to drink my health. It would be a pity to give such brave fellows so much trouble for nothing." A general cheer and cry of "Long live Lord Mowbray!" responded to this largesse. "I knew," continued the young nobleman, "that we should understand each other. The manner in which you have split my door has given me a high opinion of your ability in case of an emergency, and it appears that we should accomplish great results, were I your leader.--Stay! There is, hard by, the residence of a papist, which ought to be sacked. I have a mind to lead you thither myself. It is not that I owe the papists any particular grudge, but I am ready to labor for honor's sake, and for the love of the art." The enthusiastic cries burst forth anew. Reuben could not but feel that his day was over, and that henceforth Lord Mowbray was the true master of his men. With a haughty, sullen air he turned towards the door. "I reserve my suspicions," he said. "We shall meet again, Lord Mowbray." "One moment, if you please. I reproach myself with having concealed something from you. There is a chamber in this house which has escaped your examination." [Illustration]