halberds, and secure him, when Jocelyn's cloak
was plucked from behind, and he heard Madame Bonaventure's voice
exclaim--"Come this way!--follow me instantly!"

Thus enjoined, he dashed through the door, which was instantly fastened,
as soon as he had made good his retreat.

CHAPTER XII.

The Arrest and the Rescue.

Lupo Vulp had endeavoured to dissuade Sir Giles from putting his design
of arresting Jocelyn into immediate execution; alleging the great risk
he would incur, as well from the resolute character of the young man
himself, who was certain to offer determined resistance, as from the
temper of the company, which, being decidedly adverse to any such step,
might occasion a disturbance that would probably result in the
prisoner's rescue.

"In any case, Sir Giles," said the wily scrivener, "let me counsel you
to tarry till the greater part of the guests be gone, and the assemblage
outside dispersed; for I noted many turbulent 'prentices among the mob,
who are sure to be troublesome."

"Since the young man shows no present disposition to quit the house,"
Sir Giles replied, looking askance at Jocelyn, who just then had moved
to another part of the room with Madame Bonaventure, "there is no
urgency; and it may be prudent to pause a few moments, as you suggest,
good Lupo. But I will not suffer him to depart. I perceive, from her
gestures and glances, that our tricksy hostess is plotting some scheme
with him. Plot away, fair mistress; you must have more cunning than I
give you credit for, if you outwit me a second time in the same day. I
can guess what she proposes. You note that side door near them, Lupo?
She is advising the youth's flight that way; and he, like a hair-brained
fool, will not listen to the suggestion. But it will be well to watch
the outlet. Hark ye, Lanyere," he added to the promoter, "take three men
with you, and go round quickly to the passage with which yon door
communicates. Station yourselves near the outlet; and if Mounchensey
comes forth, arrest him instantly. You see the door I mean? About it,
quick!"

And Lanyere instantly departed with three of the myrmidons.

"I would this arrest could be lawfully effected, Sir Giles," said Lupo
Vulp, "by a serjeant-at-arms or pursuivant. There would then be no risk.
Again I venture to counsel you to proceed regularly. No great delay
would be occasioned, if your worship went to Westminster, and made a
complaint against the young man before t