r to learn the cause. In a few words the marquis informed him of
all that had occurred.

"Back to the cavern, my friends!" cried Stephano, in a loud tone. "If
the sbirri discover us there, we will resist them to the death."

And followed by the marquis and two or three of his men, the captain
passed through the aperture made from the cell recently occupied by
Flora and the countess, into the treasure-chamber.

But scarcely had those few individuals effected their retreat in this
manner, when a tremendous crash was heard, cries and shrieks of horror
and dismay burst from those who had not as yet passed through the
opening, and then the roof of the chamber of penitence and all the
adjacent cells gave way with a din as of a thousand cannon, burying
beneath their weight the sextoness, the five penitents, the inmates of
Carlotta's cell, and seven of the banditti.

Those who were in the treasure-chamber felt the ground shake beneath
their feet; the sides--although hollowed from the solid rock--appeared
to vibrate and groan, and the aperture leading into the subterrane of
the convent was closed up by the massive masonry that had fallen in.

Flora and Giulia threw themselves into each other's arms, weeping
bitterly; for they saw how dearly their freedom had been purchased, and
they trembled for the result.

But the Marquis of Orsini, although greatly shocked at the terrible
sacrifice of human life which had occurred, exerted himself to console
and reassure the two terrified ladies.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

LOMELLINO'S ESCAPE--STEPHANO'S INTENTIONS.

Stephano Verrina was not the man to allow his energies to be paralyzed
by the reverse he had just sustained. He immediately commanded a general
muster of his men to be held in the banqueting-hall, that he might
accurately ascertain the loss his corps had sustained.

Giulia and Flora were left in the treasure-chamber to snatch a few
hours' repose, if they could, as it was now past two o'clock in the
morning, and the marquis accompanied Stephano to the banqueting-hall.
Scarcely were the men mustered, when the usual signals announcing the
approach of a member of the band were heard, and in a few moments
Lomellino appeared amongst the troop.

All crowded round him to hear the account which he had to give of his
expedition and its failure.

His tale was soon told. It seemed that on reaching what might be
properly termed the main building of the convent, he found the greate