But the soldiers had not waited for her permission to make the search.

Rushing up-stairs they examined the different chambers,--there were two small rooms besides that occupied by Viviana,--and found several of the priests' habiliments; but though they examined every corner with the minutest attention, sounded the walls, peered up the chimneys, underneath the bed, and into every place, likely and unlikely, they could find no other traces of those they sought, and were compelled to return to their leader with tidings of their ill success.

Topcliffe, with another party, continued his scrutiny below, and discovering the moveable flag in the hearth, descended into the vault, where he made certain of discovering his prey.

But no one was there; and, the powder and arms having been removed, he gained nothing by his investigations.
Meanwhile, his companion,--and evidently from his garb, and the deference paid him, though he was addressed by no title which could lead to the absolute knowledge of his rank, his superior,--seated himself, and put many questions in a courteous but authoritative tone to Viviana respecting her residence in this solitary abode,--the names of her companions,--where they were,--and upon what scheme they were engaged.
To none of these questions would she return an answer, and her interrogator, at last, losing patience, said, "I hold it my duty, to inform you that you will be carried before the Council, and if you continue thus obstinate, means will be taken--and those none of the gentlest--to extort the truth from you." "You may apply the torture to me," replied Viviana, firmly; "but it will wrest nothing from me." "That remains to be seen," replied the other; "I only trust you will not compel me to put my threat into execution." At this moment Topcliffe emerged from the vault, and the soldiers returned from their unsuccessful search above.
"They have escaped us now," remarked Topcliffe to his superior.

"But I will conceal a party of men on the premises, who will be certain to capture them on their return." Viviana uttered an exclamation of irrepressible uneasiness, which did not escape her auditors.
"I am right, you see," observed Topcliffe, significantly, to his companion.
"You are so," replied the other.
As this was said, Viviana hazarded a look at Humphrey Chetham, the meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend.