"The Holy Inquisition! Ave Maria! What have I done?" ejaculated the figure above, in evident trepidation. "Your pardon, Reverend Father," he continued, "I knew not who you were. I will be down instantly." And the light vanished from the window. "That was a good idea of mine," remarked Phil, in a whisper. "I thought it would fetch him down. Now, I do not think it will be necessary to seize and bind friend Cervantes immediately that he comes to the door. He will admit us without question, no doubt; and after we are in and the door is closed, we must be guided by circumstances, and act accordingly. Here he comes." A streak of light showed beneath the door; there was a sound of bolts being drawn; and presently the door opened and a big, burly, elderly man, his touzled hair touched with grey, and his body enveloped in a long white nightgown, appeared; holding a candle above his head. As the light fell upon the two hooded figures he involuntarily drew back with a gasp, whereupon Phil and Dick stepped into the passage, closing the door behind them. "Holy Fathers," exclaimed Cervantes, dropping on his knees, placing the candle on the floor beside him, and raising his hands in an attitude of supplication, "I swear to you that I have done nothing; I am a good Catholic--" "Peace!" commanded Phil, raising his hand imperatively. "How many are there in the house with you?" "How many?" reiterated the trembling man. "I am alone, Reverend Father, quite alone, I give you my solemn word. My workmen do not live here with me; the house is not large enough--" "It is well," interrupted Phil. "Now, rise to your feet, friend Cervantes, and conduct us to your shop." "My shop!" echoed the armourer. "I give you my word, Reverend Sirs, that there is nothing in my shop that--" "The less reason why you should hesitate to lead us thither," interrupted Phil, sternly. "Of course; of course," agreed the man, anxiously. "Follow me, your Reverences; I have nothing to conceal; nothing to conceal." Then, scrambling to his feet and taking up the candle, the man proceeded a few steps along the passage, flung open a door, raised the candle above his head in such a manner as to throw the light into the room, and stood aside to allow his unwelcome and untimely visitors to enter. "After you, friend," remarked Phil, waving his hand for the armourer to precede them. "And light a lamp or two," he added, "we must have more light than your candle affords."