Bloundel replied by a melancholy shake of the head, and soon afterwards withdrew.  With a sad heart, the apprentice then broke his fast,—­not forgetting at the same time the wants of his little companion,—­and finding he was not required by his master, he proceeded to Doctor Hodges’ residence.  He was fortunate enough to find the friendly physician at home, and, after relating to him what had occurred, committed the packet to his custody.

“It will be safer in your keeping than mine,” he said; “and if anything should happen to me, you will, I am sure, observe the wishes of the poor piper.”

“Rely upon it, I will,” replied Hodges.  “I am sorry to tell you I have been misled as to the clue I fancied I had obtained to Nizza’s retreat.  We are as far from the mark as ever.”

“Might not the real name of the villain who has assumed the name of Sir Paul Parravicin be ascertained from the Earl of Rochester?” rejoined Leonard.

“So I thought,” replied Hodges; “and I made the attempt yesterday, but it failed.  I was at Whitehall, and finding the earl in the king’s presence, suddenly asked him where I could find his friend Sir Paul Parravicin.  He looked surprised at the question, glanced significantly at the monarch, and then carelessly answered that he knew no such person.”

“A strange idea crosses me,” cried Leonard.  “Can it be the king who has assumed this disguise?”

“At one time I suspected as much,” rejoined Hodges; “but setting aside your description of the person, which does not tally with that of Charles, I am satisfied from other circumstances it is not so.  After all, I should not wonder if poor Bell,” smoothing her long silky ears as she lay in the apprentice’s arms, “should help us to discover her mistress.  And now,” he added, “I shall go to Wood-street to inquire after Amabel, and will then accompany you to the pest-house.  From what you tell me the young chirurgeon said of the piper, I do not despair of his recovery.”

“Poor as his chance may appear, it is better, I fear, than Amabel’s,” sighed the apprentice.

“Ah!” exclaimed Hodges, in a sorrowful tone, “hers is slight indeed.”

And perceiving that the apprentice was greatly moved, he waited for a moment till he had recovered himself, and then, motioning him to follow him, they quitted the house together.

On reaching Mr. Bloundel’s habitation, Leonard pulled the cord in the hutch, and the grocer appeared at the window.

“My daughter has not left her bed this morning,” he said, in answer to the doctor’s inquiries, “and I fear she is much worse.  My wife is with her.  It would be a great satisfaction to me if you would see her again.”

After some little hesitation, Hodges assented, and was drawn up as before.  He returned in about half an hour, and his grave countenance convinced Leonard that his worst anticipations were correct.  He therefore forbore to question him, and they walked towards Cripplegate in silence.