ice, to deliver into
the hands of justice, for the due administering of those pains and
penalties which were attached to his crime.

The loyal owner, fired with indignation at this foul charge, rebutting
the accusation with contempt.

"However loth," said the messenger, "I must execute mine office; and,
seeing this first mission hath failed in its purpose, I have here a
warrant of search. Mine orders are imperative."

"I tell thee I have no plotters lurking here. Search and welcome;--but
if thou findest aught in this house that smells of treason, the Queen
may blot out my escutcheon. I'll dismount the _pheon_. The arrow-head
shall return to its quiver. 'Twas honestly won, and, by our lady's
grace, it shall be honestly worn!"

"We must obey," said the officer; "it shall be done with all courtesy
and despatch."

Holt bit his lips with rage and vexation. From the suspicion of
harbouring and aiding the traitor Tyrone, his known loyalty and good
faith should have protected him. He hoped, however, to throw back on the
author of this foul slander the disgrace attached to it. Smothering his
wrath, and brooding over its gratification, he accompanied the
messenger, who, placing an additional guard at the main entrance,
proceeded with a wary eye to the search. He carefully scrutinised the
shape of the rooms, striking the walls and wainscots, measuring the
capacity of the chambers, that no space might be left unaccounted for
either in one way or another. The concealed apartment in the
chimney-range did not escape his examination. Closets, cupboards,
folding-doors,--even the family pictures were turned aside, lest some
strategem should lurk behind.

Holt, with a look of malicious satisfaction, beheld every fresh
disappointment, which he followed with undisguised expressions of
ill-will.

"Now for the women's apartments," said the officer.

"I have but one daughter. Dost fancy that treason may be stitched in her
petticoat? Thinkest thou she would hide this invisible gallant in her
bedchamber? 'Sdeath, that it should ha' come to this! But I'll have my
revenge."

"I would fain spare thee from this contumely, but"----

"But what?"

"I must search the house through; and though I doubt not now that our
information is false, yet I may not disobey the mandate I have
received."

"Is this thy courtesy?"

"My courtesy must yet consist with the true and honest discharge of mine
office. I wait not further parley."

A short g