"Not they," replied Dick. "What make they to-morrow?"

"To-morrow, or to-night, I know not," said the other; "but one time or
other, Dick, they do intend upon your life. I had the proof of it: I
have heard them whisper; nay, they as good as told me."

"Ay," returned Dick, "is it so? I had thought as much."

And he told him the day's occurrences at length.

When it was done, Matcham arose and began, in turn, to examine the
apartment.

"No," he said, "there is no entrance visible. Yet 'tis a pure certainty
there is one. Dick, I will stay by you. An y' are to die, I will die
with you. And I can help--look! I have stolen a dagger--I will do my
best! And meanwhile, an ye know of any issue, any sally-port we could
get opened, or any window that we might descend by, I will most joyfully
face any jeopardy to flee with you."

"Jack," said Dick, "by the mass, Jack, y' are the best soul, and the
truest, and the bravest in all England. Give me your hand, Jack."

And he grasped the other's hand in silence.

"I will tell you," he resumed. "There is a window out of which the
messenger descended; the rope should still be in the chamber. 'Tis a
hope."

"Hist!" said Matcham.

Both gave ear. There was a sound below the floor; then it paused, and
then began again.

"Some one walketh in the room below," whispered Matcham.

"Nay," returned Dick, "there is no room below; we are above the chapel.
It is my murderer in the secret passage. Well, let him come: it shall go
hard with him!" And he ground his teeth.

"Blow me the lights out," said the other. "Perchance he will betray
himself."

They blew out both the lamps and lay still as death. The footfalls
underneath were very soft, but they were clearly audible. Several times
they came and went; and then there was a loud jar of a key turning in a
lock, followed by a considerable silence.

Presently the steps began again, and then, all of a sudden, a chink of
light appeared in the planking of the room in a far corner. It widened;
a trap-door was being opened, letting in a gush of light. They could see
the strong hand pushing it up; and Dick raised his crossbow, waiting for
the head to follow.

But now there came an interruption. From a distant corner of the Moat
House shouts began to be heard, and first one voice, and then several,
crying aloud upon a name. This noise had plainly disconcerted the
murderer, for the trap-door was silently lowered to its place, and the
steps h