“Like the black-hearted traitor and villain he is!” replied Sir Norman, with more energy than truth; for he had caught but passing glimpses of the count's features, and those showed him they were decidedly prepossessing; “and he slinks along like a coward and an abductor as he is, in a slouched hat and shadowy cloak. Oh! if I had him here!” repeated Sir Norman, with vivacity; “wouldn't I--” “Yes, of course you would,” interposed Hubert, “and serve him right, too! Have you made any inquiries about the matter--for instance, of our friend sleeping the sleep of the just, across there?” “No--why?” “Why, it seems to me, if she's been carried off before he fell asleep, he has probably heard or seen something of it; and I think it would not be a bad plan to step over and inquire.” “Well, we can try,” said Sir Norman, with a despairing face; “but I know it will end in disappointment and vexation of spirit, like all the rest!” With which dismal view of things, he crossed the street side by side with his jaunty young friend. The watchman was still enjoying the balmy, and snoring in short, sharp snorts, when Master Hubert remorselessly caught him by the shoulder, and began a series of shakes and pokes, and digs, and “hallos!” while Sir Norman stood near and contemplated the scene with a pensive eye. At last while undergoing a severe course of this treatment the watchman was induced to open his eyes on this mortal life, and transfix the two beholders with, an intensely vacant and blank share. “Hey?” he inquired, helplessly. “What was you a saying of, gentlemen? What is it?” “We weren't a saying of anything as yet,” returned Hubert; “but we mean to, shortly. Are you quite sure you are wide awake?” “What do you want?” was the cross question, given by way of answer. “What do you come bothering me for at such a rate, all night, I want to know?” “Keep civil, friend, we wear swords,” said Hubert, touching, with dignity, the hilt of the little dagger he carried; “we only want to ask you a few questions. First, do you see that house over yonder?” “Oh! I see it!” said the man gruffly; “I am not blind!” “Well who was the last person you saw come out of that house?” “I don't know who they was!” still more gruffly. “I ain't got the pleasure of their acquaintance!” “Did you see a young lady come out of it lately?”