shall not detail what further passed during the scene in the
alcalde's chamber of audience--where justice was practised as in the
times of Gil Blas--long before and long after Gil Blas--for it is not
very different in a Spanish law court at the hour in which we are
writing.

Enough to say that the scene concluded, most of the dramatis personae,
with the alcalde at their head, proceeded to the chateau, to inspect the
chamber, and if possible find out some clue to the mysterious
disappearance of the Countess.

CHAPTER FOUR.

THE FORSAKEN CHAMBER.

On arriving at the chateau, the alcalde ordered the door of the
Countess's chamber to be burst in--for it was still bolted inside. On
entering the apartment a picture of confusion was presented. Drawers
empty, others drawn out, but only half sacked of their contents.

All this did not indicate precisely that there had been any violence. A
voluntary but hurried departure on the part of the Countess might have
left just such traces as were discovered. The bed was still
undisturbed, as if she had not lain down upon it. This fact appeared to
indicate a foreknowledge, on the part of the lady, of what was to
happen--as if she had had the intention of going off, but had made no
preparation until the moment of departure. The furniture was all in its
place--the window curtains and those of the alcove had not been
disarranged, and no traces of a struggle were to be discerned within the
chamber, which contained many light fragile objects of furniture that
could not fail to have been destroyed by the slightest violence.

The fetid odour of an oil lamp filled the apartment despite the cold air
that came in through the open window. It was evident, therefore, that
this lamp had been left alight, and had continued to burn until the oil
had become exhausted.

It could not be a robbery either. A thousand articles of value, likely
enough to have tempted the cupidity of robbers, were left behind both on
the tables and in the drawers.

The conclusion then was that neither assassination nor burglary had
taken place.

Notwithstanding all these deceptive appearances, the old steward shook
his head doubtfully. The signs were sufficient to baffle his reason,
which was none of the strongest, but the faithful servant could not
bring himself to believe that his noble mistress would take flight in a
manner so extraordinary--his good sense revolted at the thought. In his
belief some