“Prisoners!” exclaimed Mompesson.

“Ay, prisoners,” repeated Osmond Mounchensey, “my prisoners.  I have a Star-Chamber warrant for your arrest.  Behold it.  Under this warrant his Highness has committed you, and you will be taken hence to the Fleet, where you, Giles Mompesson, shall occupy the cell you destined for my nephew!  Now, your sword.”

“Take it,” rejoined Mompesson, plucking the rapier from its sheath, “take it in your heart.  You, at least, shall not live to enjoy your triumph.”

But Osmond was too quick for him, and seizing his arm, ere he could deal the meditated blow, with almost superhuman force, he wrested the sword from him, and broke it beneath his feet.

At the same time, other personages appeared on the scene.  These were the Serjeant-at-arms and a party of halberdiers.  Advancing slowly towards the prisoners, the officer received the warrant from Osmond Mounchensey, while the halberdiers closed round the two extortioners.

“Before the prisoner, Mompesson, is removed,” said Charles, “see that he delivers up to you his keys.  Let an inventory be taken of all monies within the house, and let the royal seal be placed upon all boxes and caskets.  All deeds and other documents must be carefully preserved to be examined hereafter.  And let strict search be made—­for I have heard there are many hidden depositories of treasure—­especially within the prisoner’s secret cabinet.”

“Take heed that the strictest examination be made,” subjoined Buckingham, “in accordance with his Highness’s behests—­for the knave smiles, as if he thought his precautions were so well taken that the searchers would be baffled.”

“Fear nothing, my Lord Marquis,” replied the Serjant-at-arms.  “Now, prisoner,” he added, to Mompesson—­“your keys!”

While the officer was thus employed, Luke Hatton stepped forward.

“Those keys will be of little use,” he said, to the Prince.  “Others have been beforehand with your Highness.”

“How, Sir—­what others?” demanded Charles, bending his brows.

“The extortioner’s lawless band of attendants—­generally known as his myrmidons, your Highness,” replied Hatton.  “Instinctively discerning, as it would seem, that all was over with their master, they had determined to quit his service, and without giving him any notice of their intention.  Not content with deserting him in the hour of danger, they have robbed him as well—­robbed him of the bulk of his treasure.  They have broken into his secret cabinet—­and stripped it of all its valuables that could be of use to them, and have not left one of his hidden hoards unvisited.”

“Hell’s curses upon them!” exclaimed Mompesson, with irrepressible rage.  “May they all swing upon the gibbet!”

“The chief among them—­a rascally Alsatian, known as Captain Bludder—­has been captured,” pursued Luke Hatton.  “And a large sum, together with a rich casket of jewels, has been found upon him; and it is to be hoped that the officers will succeed in finding the others.  Will your Highness interrogate Bludder?”