The deep-toned bell of Clerkenwell church now struck the hour of eleven; and scarcely had the sound died away in the silence of night, when a post-chaise drove up to the door of the house. “Mrs. Bunce is now about to take her departure,” said the Black. “Everything is prepared in that respect--Harding and his wife have already received full instructions and the necessary funds--and the sooner that the woman is safe out of this mighty city of temptation, the better.” The sounds of several footsteps were now heard descending the stairs; and a minute afterwards, the post-chaise drove rapidly away from the house. “Of all my prisoners, Old Death alone remains to be disposed of,” observed the Black, as soon as the din of the wheels was no longer audible. “And it is to be hoped that _he_ will not be a source of difficulty or embarrassment to you for many weeks more,” said the physician, rising to take his departure. CHAPTER CXIII. ESTHER DE MEDINA AND OLD DEATH. It was on the third day after the explanations given to Dr. Lascelles, and between five and six o’clock in the evening, that Esther de Medina was conducted by the Blackamoor into the subterranean passage, the latter holding a lamp in his hand. “Shall I remain near you, Esther?” he enquired, in a whisper. “No--it is not necessary,” she answered. “I am not afraid of being in this place, gloomy as it appears; and since I am merely to address the miserable man through the trap-door of his dungeon, no harm can reach me.” Thus speaking, she turned and received the light from her companion,--her manner being calm and even resolute, though her countenance was very pale. “God bless you, Esther!” said the Black, emphatically: “your willingness to aid me in this important matter is not the least admirable trait in your character!” “It is a duty--though a painful one,” responded the beautiful Jewess. “And now leave me--I would rather proceed alone to the prisoner’s cell.” “Remember,” said the Blackamoor, “it is the last on the right hand side of this long subterranean passage.” He then retraced his way up the stone-staircase communicating with the house in Red Lion Street, while Esther advanced along the gloomy cavern, in which the lamp shone but with feeble lustre.