“That is false,” replied Leonard.  “You have just conducted Sir Paul Parravicin to her.”

This assertion on the part of the apprentice, which he thought himself justified under the circumstances in making, produced a strong effect on Chowles.  He appeared startled and confounded.  “What right have you to play the spy upon me thus?” he faltered.

“The right that every honest man possesses to check the designs of the wicked,” replied Leonard.  “You admit she is here.  Lead me to her hiding-place without more ado.”

“If you know where it is,” rejoined Chowles, who now perceived the trick that had been practised upon him, “you will not want me to conduct you to it.  Neither Nizza nor Sir Paul Parravicin are here.”

“That is false, prevaricating scoundrel,” cried Leonard.  “My companion and I saw you enter the house with your profligate employer.  And as we gained admittance a few minutes after you, it is certain no one can have left it.  Lead me to Nizza’s retreat instantly, or I will cut your throat.”  And seizing Chowles by the collar, he held the point of his sword to his breast.

“Use no violence,” cried Chowles, struggling to free himself, “and I will take you wherever you please.  This way—­this way.”  And he motioned as if he would take them upstairs.

“Do not think to mislead me, villain,” cried Leonard, tightening his grasp.  “We have searched every room in the upper part of the house, and though we have discovered the whole of your ill-gotten hoards, we have found nothing else.  No one is there.”

“Well, then,” rejoined Chowles, “since the truth must out, Sir Paul is in the next house.  But it is his own abode.  I have nothing to do with it, nothing whatever.  He is accountable for his own actions, and you will be accountable to him if you intrude upon his privacy.  Release me, and I swear to conduct you to him.  But you will take the consequences of your rashness upon yourself.  I only go upon compulsion.”

“I am ready to take any consequences,” replied Leonard, resolutely.

“Come along, then,” said Chowles, pointing down the passage.

“You mean us no mischief?” cried Leonard, suspiciously.  “If you do, the attempt will cost you your life.”

Chowles made no answer, but moved along the passage as quickly as Leonard, who kept fast hold of him and walked by his side, would permit.  Presently they reached a door, which neither the apprentice nor Rainbird had observed before, and which admitted them into an extensive vault, with a short staircase at the further end, communicating with a passage that Leonard did not require to be informed was in another house.

Here Chowles paused.  “I think it right to warn you you are running into a danger from which ere long you will be glad to draw back, young man,” he said, to the apprentice.  “As a friend, I advise you to proceed no further in the matter.”

“Waste no more time in talking,” cried Leonard, fiercely, and forcing him forward as he spoke, “where is Nizza?  Lead me to her without an instant’s delay.”