“The Lord Mayor’s commands must be obeyed,” rejoined the smith, brutally.

As if conscious of the fate awaiting her, poor Bell struggled hard to get free, and uttered a piteous yell.

“You are not going to kill the dog?” interposed Leonard.

“Have you anything to say to the contrary?” rejoined the smith, in a tone calculated, as he thought, to put an end to further interference.

“Only this,” replied Leonard, “that I will not allow it.”

“You won’t—­eh?” returned the smith, derisively.

“I will not,” rejoined Leonard, “so put her down and come along.”

“Go your own way,” replied the smith, “and leave me to mine.”

Leonard answered by snatching Bell suddenly from his grasp.  Thus liberated, the terrified animal instantly flew to her mistress.

“Is this the return I get for assisting you?” cried the smith, savagely.  “You are bewitched by a pair of black eyes.  But you will repent your folly.”

“I shall never forget your kindness,” replied Nizza, clasping Bell to her bosom, and looking gratefully at the apprentice.  “You say you are in search of a citizen’s daughter and a nobleman.  About half an hour ago, or scarcely so much, I was awakened by the opening of the door of the southern transept, and peeping out, I saw three persons—­a young man in the dress of a watchman, but evidently disguised, and a very beautiful young woman, conducted by Judith Malmayns, bearing a lantern,—­pass through the doorway leading to Saint Faith’s.  Perhaps they are the very persons you are in search of.”

“They are,” returned Leonard; “and you have repaid me a hundredfold for the slight service I have rendered you by the information.  We will instantly repair to the vaults.  Come along.”

Accompanied by the whole of the assemblage, except the smith, who skulked off in the opposite direction, he passed through the low doorway on the right of the choir, and descended to Saint Faith’s.  The subterranean church was buried in profound darkness, and apparently wholly untenanted.  On reaching the charnel, they crossed it, and tried the door of the vault formerly occupied by the sexton.  It was fastened, but Leonard knocking violently against it, it was soon opened by Judith Malmayns, who appeared much surprised, and not a little alarmed, at the sight of so many persons.  She was not alone, and her companion was Chowles.  He was seated at a table, on which stood a flask of brandy and a couple of glasses, and seemed a good deal confused at being caught in such a situation, though he endeavoured to cover his embarrassment by an air of effrontery.

“Where is the Earl of Rochester?—­where is Amabel?” demanded Leonard Holt.

“I know nothing about either of them,” replied Judith.  “Why do you put these questions to me?”

“Because you admitted them to the cathedral,” cried the apprentice, furiously, “and because you have concealed them.  If you do not instantly guide me to their retreat, I will make you a terrible example to all such evil-doers in future.”