"Lies, oh, dear no, I have the proofs here," (producing a large packet of papers,) "besides, I saw enough to prove the truth of at least part; but we must not talk any longer to-night; to-morrow we will sift the whole to the bottom, and see what is to be done for our unfortunate friends; their remains must be decently interred if we can obtain them. I would we could trace Caroline Lennox, and he who took her away. We shall have enough to do, first here and then in England, for thither I must go; we shall have work for the Crown lawyers." "I' faith I hardly like to go home through that horrid valley; what if they cut us up too?" "No fears, I have a pass for all Italy; no brigand would harm us were he to see this paper." The Earl produced a small paper, on which were inscribed some hieroglyphical marks, on which the Marquis looked with some interest. "This is a queer country after all," he said, "but we are got to talking again. Good night, I shall be glad to sleep off my thoughts." "And I too," said the Earl; "but sleep will not chase mine away. Good night, I must see how Ellen is." With these words they parted and sought their different rooms. The Earl found his wife calmly sleeping, and kissing her white forehead, prepared to follow her example. Whilst the whole house are bathed in forgetfulness we shall trespass on our readers' time a little longer, and account for the Earl's mysterious absence for so many hours. But as it is a long story we must leave it for the few next chapters, and we hope they will be sufficiently interesting to reward the reader's careful perusal of their strange contents. CHAPTER XV. "Whither wilt thou lead me? Speak, I'll go no further." _Hamlet._