“Seigneur de Lallières,” said Warthy, “I have reason to believe that the arch-traitor, Charles de Bourbon, has sought shelter beneath your roof. Those who screen him share his guilt. Deliver him up, and I will save you from all ill consequences. Attempt to shield him from justice, and you will incur the severest displeasure of the king.” “Search the castle, and if you find the prince, take him,” replied Lallières, sternly. “Then you do not deny that he is here?” said Warthy. “I neither deny it, nor admit it,” rejoined Lallières. “Search the castle, I say. I shall not hinder you. I have no other answer to make.” “Your answer is insolent, seigneur, and shall be reported to the king,” said Warthy. “Be it so,” rejoined Lallières. Warthy called the intendant, whom he recognised by his wand, and ordered him to conduet him over the castle. The old man did not dare to refuse compliance. But though the châtelain's private room was visited in the course of the perquisition, no discovery was made. “Are you satisfied, sir?” inquired Lallières, as Warthy returned to the hall, after his unsuccessful search. “I am satisfied that Bourbon is hidden somewhere in the château,” replied Warthy, “but he shall not escape me. To-morrow I will institute a more rigorous search. I understand you have some guests in the chateau. Where are they?” “The only person now here is the Demoiselle Marcelline d'Herment,” replied Lallières. “The others are gone.” “Who are gone?” demanded Warthy. “Those you seek. They departed on foot.” “At what time?” said Warthy. “Scarce half an hour before your arrival,” returned Lallières. “I counselled them not to stay, and I am thankful they took my advice.” “Was Bourbon one of them?” demanded Warthy. Lallières remained silent, and Warthy repeated the question yet more authoritatively. “I refuse to answer,” replied the châtelain. “I have said that the persons who came hither are gone. That is all I choose to tell you. Follow them, if you think proper, or remain here. You do not expect me to put you on their track.” “You are bound to aid in capturing rebels and traitors,” rejoined Warthy. “But I will not talk longer with you now. To-morrow I shall have more to say.” “To-morrow I will speak freely,” returned Lallières, “for then my friends will be out of your reach. Meantime, it shall not be said that I neglected the rites of hospitality. Will you sup before you retire to rest?--or shall my intendant conduct you at once to a sleeping-chamber?” “I do not mean to retire to rest,” replied Warthy. “I shall visit the guard in person throughout the night, to assure myself that strict watch is kept. Let supper be served here.” Lallières then withdrew. Left alone, Warthy took a few turns in the great hall, and then flung himself into a chair. While doing so, he found that the keys incommoded him, so, removing them from his girdle, he laid them upon the table.