“He hath been already interrogated,” replied Betty, sadly, “and now we know not where he is--since Lord Raby dismissed him.” “He is in a house in Cheapside,” said the astrologer. “You may find it easily; the door is painted green and hath a rat-hole in the lower left-hand corner; there are three windows in the front of the house, each different in size and shape. He sleeps in the attic.” “He will tell us nothing,” Betty answered in despair; “we have tried, and my Lord Raby is sure he knows nothing.” The wizard laughed, not mirthfully, but as if he relished some grim joke. “He is in that attic,” he said dryly; “take him and he will tell you all.” “I tell you,” cried Betty, with impatience, “he will tell us nothing.” “Singe him,” retorted the wizard, with a grin; “my lord privy seal can teach you how to entreat a prisoner to speak.” Betty recoiled with horror, but old Madam caught at the idea. “The man is right,” she remarked calmly; “’tis easy enough to screw out the truth. But verily, Sir Wizard, is there not more to tell?” The little magician shrugged his shoulders. “I have told enough,” he said; “a woman who is near fourscore should know the rest without telling.” This reference to Lady Crabtree’s age brought the angry blood to her face; she never admitted it to any one, and to find that this strange creature knew it, moved her to wrath. She rose and gathered her mantle about her. “Come Betty,” she said sharply, “we but waste time on this fool. Let us begone.” The wizard sat laughing silently, his sinister face lighted up with malicious enjoyment. Betty lingered a moment, while Lady Crabtree hurried to the door. “Is there nothing else?” she asked earnestly; “no other way?” “If you follow my instructions,” replied the wizard, “all will be well; if not--” He shrugged his shoulders. CHAPTER XXVIII A SNARE