nappers." And he thrust
his hand quietly into his pocket in search of a pistol.

Just as Ranulph and the major reached the recess they were startled by
the sudden apparition of the ill-fated attorney.

"Mr. Coates!" exclaimed Ranulph, in surprise. "What do you here, sir?"

"I--I--that is--Sir Ranulph--you must excuse me, sir--particular
business--can't say," returned the trembling attorney; for at this
instant his eye caught that of Turpin, and the ominous reflexion of a
polished-steel barrel, held carelessly towards him. He was aware, also,
that on the other hand he was, in like manner, the mark of Rust and
Wilder; those polite gentlemen having threatened him with a brace of
slugs in his brain if he dared to betray their hiding-place. "It is
necessary that I should be _guarded_ in my answers," murmured he.

"Is there any one within that place besides yourself?" said the major,
making a movement thither.

"No, sir, nobody at all," answered Coates, hastily, fancying at the same
time that he heard the click of the pistol that was to be his
death-warrant.

"How came you here, sir?" demanded Ranulph.

"Do you mean in this identical spot?" replied Coates, evasively.

"You can have no difficulty in answering that question," said the major,
sternly.

"Pardon me, sir. I find considerable difficulty in answering any
question, situated as I am."

"Have you seen Miss Mowbray?" asked Ranulph, eagerly.

"Or my mother?" said the major, in the same breath.

"Neither," replied Coates, rather relieved by these questions.

"I suspect you are deceiving us, sir," said the major. "Your manner is
confused. I am convinced you know more of this matter than you choose to
explain; and if you do not satisfy me at once, fully and explicitly, I
vow to Heaven----" and the major's sword described a glittering circle
round his head.

"Are you privy to their concealment?" asked Ranulph. "Have you seen
aught of them, or of Luke Bradley?"

"Speak, or this moment is your last," said the major.

"If it _is_ my last, I _cannot_ speak," returned Coates. "I can make
neither head nor tail of your questions, gentlemen."

"And you positively assure me you have not seen Mrs. Mowbray and her
daughter?" said Ranulph.

Turpin here winked at Coates. The attorney understood him.

"I don't positively assert that," faltered he.

"How!--you _have_ seen them?" shouted Ranulph.

"Where are they?--in safety--speak!" added the major.

Another expr