By a natural impulse he and Markham immediately cast scrutinising glances at each other. "Ah! I thought so by your voice—you are a gentleman," said the man: "then you will not betray me?" "Betray you!" repeated Markham, surprised at this observation. "I will tell you what I mean presently: there is no time to be lost! Hark—another groan: she is dying!" The man, who was tall and good-looking, and evidently not a scion of the Bohemian race—gave Markham the candle, and proceeded to open the massive door, the presence of the light enabling him to remove the fastenings with ease. He then beckoned Richard to follow him into the cellar, where he instantly set to work to draw the bolts of a second door. This task was speedily accomplished; and as the door grated upon its hinges, another heart-wrung moan emanated from the interior of the second vault. The man rushed in; Markham followed with the light, and beheld a woman stretched almost lifeless upon the mattress. The groans had all along emanated from her lips:—then where was the Resurrection Man? "Margaret—cheer up—it's me—it's Skilligalee—I'm come to save you," said the protector of the Rattlesnake as he bent over her. "How long has she been immured here?" inquired Markham. "Only three or four hours," answered Skilligalee; "and so it must be fright that has half killed her. Pray get some water, sir—there's plenty in the scullery." Markham hastened to comply with this request; and Skilligalee bathed the woman's face with the refreshing element. She opened her eyes, and a smile came over her faded countenance as she caught sight of the friendly face that greeted her fearful glance. "How long have I been here?" asked the Rattlesnake in a faint tone, while her whole frame was convulsed with terror as recent events rushed to her mind. "Not many hours, Meg," answered Skilligalee. "And you will not leave me here any longer?" she said. "Oh! do not let me die in this horrible place!" "I am come to save you," returned Skilligalee. "Are you able to get up and walk?" "Yes—for the sake of freedom," cried the Rattlesnake, rising from the mattress. "But who is that?" she added, as her eyes now fell upon Markham for the first time. "That's exactly what I don't know myself," said Skilligalee. "The gentleman has, however, behaved himself as such; and that's enough for us. Hark! there's the clock on the staircase striking five? We haven't much time to lose: come on." Markham led the way with the light: Skilligalee followed, supporting the Rattlesnake, who was weak and exhausted with the effects of extreme terror. "Which way shall we go?" she inquired, as they paused for a moment in the scullery, to listen if all were quiet. "By the back gate," answered Skilligalee. "I have secured the key. The porter keeps the keys of the front door."