The little twinkling eyes of the functionary were overflowing at the good fortune which revealed to him alone this vile Popish treason. Thus happily frustrated by himself, it would doubtless be the means of raising him from plebeian ranks to the honours of knighthood, perhaps further. His head grew dizzy at the prospect. He shook the stranger by the hand, who bowed and withdrew. Soon a little antiquated clerk, with green spectacles mounted in huge black rims, and a skin like unto shrivelled parchment, was seen accompanying the stranger to the inn. The bolts opened to this demi-official, and they were at once ushered into the prisoner's chamber. He had already arisen, and was pacing the apartment in great haste. "We come, sir," said the clerk, "to announce your removal; but first we search for plots. This rebel's disguise--where, sayest thou, is it concealed?" "Upon his person," said the stranger. "Pray doff that noble suit, sir," said the jocose purveyor of justice. The prisoner, with an angry scowl, in which both grief and astonishment were mingled, silently obeyed the mandate; and displayed, underneath these coarse habiliments, a complete suit of female apparel--the very clothes worn by Katherine Grimes at the time of her disappearance. "A well-contrived disguise, sir, truly. I wot you can suddenly change your gender at a pinch," said the clerk, chuckling at his own impertinence. But the prisoner, no longer dumb, as aforetime at the farm, answered, in a voice that awed even this presuming minion, with all the attributes of both law and power at his grasp. "Why call you me sir, Sir Knave? I own no nicknames, and I answer to none. My title is Derwentwater." "The titular earl, truly; but now Charles Ratcliffe, since your brother was"---- "Hanged, thou wouldst say," said the unfortunate and attainted peer, interrupting him; "it was his lot, as I pray thine may be, when the king shall have his own again. Silence!" continued he, in a commanding tone, as one accustomed to be obeyed. "I own it was my purpose to escape; but there is treachery in the camp--treachery in our own bosom--treachery"--here he cast a keen glance at the stranger--"ay, where our best feelings were cherished. I have leaned on a spear, and it hath pierced me! deeper than I thought--in this hard and seared heart." A strong and painful emotion came over his dark features; he clenched his hands; but the stranger betrayed no symptoms of compunction. "Now, sir, I am ready," said the earl; "make my fetters tight; or perhaps I may be spared that indignity." But the proud Earl of Derwentwater would not stoop to propitiate. "Nay, bind them, and I will be prouder of their insignia than of all the honours, all the trappings, that George Guelph can bestow." "We have orders merely for your safe keeping in the jail," said the clerk; "to which the proper officers will see you conveyed."