Meanwhile, the pursuivant had reached the door, which Chetham had taken the precaution to fasten, and was trying to burst it open.

The bolts offered but a feeble resistance to his fury, and the next moment he dashed into the room, at the head of a band of soldiers.
"Seize them!" he cried.

"Ha!" he added, glancing round the room with a look of disappointment, "where are the others?
Where is the soldier in the Spanish garb?
Where is Humphrey Chetham?
Confess at once, dog!" he continued, seizing the priest by the throat, "or I will pluck the secret from your breast." "Do not harm him," interposed Viviana.

"I will answer the question.

They are fled." "Fled!" echoed the pursuivant in consternation.