Peter withdrew into the crowd; and Luke, vainly endeavoring to discover his retreating figure, caught the eye of Jack Palmer fixed upon himself, with a peculiar and very significant expression. At this moment Mr. Coates made his appearance. "Bring forward the prisoner," said the man of law to his two assistants; and Luke was accordingly hurried along, Mr. Coates using his best efforts to keep back the crowd. It was during the pressure that Luke heard a voice whisper in his ear, "Never fear; all's right!" and turning his head, he became aware of the propinquity of Jack Palmer. The latter elevated his eyebrows with a gesture of silence, and Luke passed on as if nothing had occurred. He was presently confronted with Lady Rookwood and her son; and, notwithstanding the efforts of Mr. Coates, seconded by some few others, the crowd grew dense around them. "Remove his fetters," said Ranulph. And his manacles were removed. "You will consent to remain here a prisoner till to-morrow?" "I consent to nothing," replied Luke; "I am in your hands." "He does not deserve your clemency, Sir Ranulph," interposed Coates. "Let him take his own course," said Lady Rookwood; "he will reap the benefit of it anon." "Will you pledge yourself not to depart?" asked Ranulph. "Of course," cried the attorney; "to be sure he will. Ha, ha!" "No," returned Luke, haughtily, "I will not--and you will detain me at your proper peril." "Better and better," exclaimed the attorney. "This is the highest joke I ever heard." "I shall detain, you, then, in custody, until proper inquiries can be made," said Ranulph. "To your care, Mr. Coates, and to that of Mr. Tyrconnel, whom I must request to lend you his assistance, I commit the charge; and I must further request, that you will show him every attention which his situation will permit. Remove him. We have a sacred duty to the dead to fulfil, to which even justice to the living must give way. Disperse this crowd, and let instant preparations be made for the completion of the ceremonial. You understand me, sir." "Ranulph Rookwood," said Luke, sternly, as he departed, "you have another--a more sacred office to perform. Fulfil your duty to your father's son." "Away with him!" cried Lady Rookwood. "I am out of all patience with this trilling. Follow me to my chamber," added she to her son, passing towards the door. The concourse of spectators, who had listened to this extraordinary scene in astonishment, made way for her instantly, and she left the room, accompanied by Ranulph. The prisoner was led out by the other door. "Botheration!" cried Titus to Mr. Coates, as they followed in the wake, "why did he choose out me? I'll lose the funeral entirely by his arrangement." "That you will," replied Palmer. "Shall I be your deputy?" "No, no," returned Coates. "I will have no other than Mr. Tyrconnel. It was Sir Ranulph's express wish."