"I must have an explanation of your strange conduct, sir," said the magistrate. "His reverence had better be careful what he says," observed Markland. "Answer one question, and answer it truly, as you value your own safety," pursued Mr. Fowden. "Are you alone in these rooms?" The priest looked greatly embarrassed. Markland made a gesture to him behind the magistrate's back. "Are you alone here, I repeat?" demanded Mr. Fowden. "I have no one with me now, sir, if that is what you would learn," replied the priest. "Then you have had a companion. Where is he? He cannot have left the house. The drawbridge is guarded." "He is not in this part of the house," replied the priest. "I will give you further explanation anon," he added, in a lower tone. "All I need now say is, that I am here on compulsion." Mr. Fowden forbore to interrogate him further, and after examining the room, which was that wherein Atherton had passed the two previous nights as related, and discovering nothing to reward his scrutiny, he expressed his intention of going down-stairs. "I don't think I shall make any capture here," he remarked. "I am sure you won't," replied the priest. Very much to Markland's relief, the magistrate then quitted the disused rooms, and taking Father Jerome with him, descended to the hall. After a little private conversation with the priest, he made a fresh investigation of the lower apartments, but with no better success than heretofore, and he was by no means sorry when Miss Rawcliffe sent a message to him begging his company at supper. The servant who brought the message likewise informed him that the constables in the court-yard had been well supplied with ale. "I hope they haven't drunk too much," said the magistrate. "Don't let them have any more, and tell them I shall come out presently." CHAPTER X. A SUCCESSFUL STRATAGEM. Accompanied by the priest, he then proceeded to the dining-room, where he found Constance and Monica. A very nice supper had been prepared, and he did ample justice to the good things set before him. Markland, who had been absent for a short time, appeared with a bottle of old madeira, and a look passed between him and the young ladies, which did not escape the quick eyes of the priest. The magistrate could not fail to be struck by the splendid wine brought him, and the butler took care to replenish his glass whenever it chanced to be empty. Altogether the supper passed off more agreeably than could have been expected under such circumstances, for the young ladies had recovered their spirits, and the only person who seemed ill at ease was Father Jerome. Towards the close of the repast, Mr. Fowden said: "I fear I shall be obliged to trespass a little further on your hospitality, Miss Rawcliffe. I hope I shall not put you to inconvenience if I take up my quarters here to-night. I care not how you lodge me--put me in a haunted room if you think proper."