“Speak, or I will force you to do so,” cried Leonard, furiously.

“Force me!” cried Judith, laughing derisively; “you know not whom you threaten.”

“But I do,” interposed Thirlby.  “This young man shall have an answer to this question,” he continued, addressing her in an authoritative tone.  “Do you know anything of the girl?”

“No,” replied Judith; “I was merely jesting with him.”

“Shame on you, to trifle with his feelings thus,” rejoined Thirlby.  “Step with me this way, young man, I wish to speak with you.”

“Do not leave me here, Leonard,” cried Blaize, “or I shall die before you come back.”

“I have no intention of leaving you,” rejoined Leonard.  “Are you aware whether Doctor Hodges is still alive, sir?” he added to Thirlby.  “I have just been to his residence in Great Knight-rider-street, and found it shut up.”

“He has removed to Watling-street,” replied the other; “but I have not seen him since my return to London.  If you wish it, I will go to his house at once, and send him to look after your poor friend.”

Leonard was about to return thanks for the offer, when the design was frustrated by Blaize himself, who was so terrified by Judith’s looks, that he could pay no attention to what was going forward; and fearing, notwithstanding Leonard’s assurance to the contrary, that he should be left behind, he started to his feet, and wrapping the blanket about him, ran up the steps leading to the cathedral.  Leonard and Thirlby followed, and seeing him dart into the southern aisle, would have pursued him along it, but were afraid of coming in contact with the many sick persons by whom it was thronged.  They contented themselves, therefore, with watching his course, and were not a little surprised and alarmed to find the whole troop of lazars set off after him, making the sacred walls ring with their cries.  Frightened by the clamour, Blaize redoubled his speed, and, with this ghastly train at his heels, crossed the lower part of the mid-aisle, and darting through the pillars, took refuge within Bishop Kempe’s Chapel, the door of which stood open, and which he instantly closed after him.  Judith, who had followed the party from the subterranean church, laughed heartily at the chase of the poor porter, and uttered an exclamation of regret at its sudden conclusion.  Leonard, however, being apprehensive of mischief from the crowd of sick persons collected before the door, some of whom were knocking against it and trying to force it open, addressed himself to a couple of the attendants, and prevailed on them to accompany him to the chapel.  The assemblage was speedily dispersed, and Blaize hearing Leonard’s voice, instantly opened the door and admitted him; and, as soon as his fears were allayed, he was placed on a pallet within the chapel, and wrapped up in blankets, while such remedies as were deemed proper were administered to him.  Committing him to the care of the attendants, and promising to reward them well for their trouble, Leonard told Blaize he should go and bring Doctor Hodges to him.  Accordingly, he departed, and finding Thirlby waiting for him at the south door, they went forth together.