He saw that she wished him to make an effort to escape, that he might warn her companions, and regardless of the consequence, be prepared to obey her.

While those around were engaged in a last fruitless search, he whispered his intentions to Martin Heydocke, and only awaited a favourable opportunity to put them in execution.

It occurred sooner than he expected.

Before quitting the premises, Topcliffe determined to visit the upper rooms himself, and he took several of the men with him.
Chetham would have made an attempt to liberate Viviana, but, feeling certain it would be unsuccessful, he preferred obeying her wishes to his own inclinations.

Topcliffe gone, he suddenly drew his sword,--for neither he nor Heydocke had been disarmed,--and rushing towards the door, struck down the man next it, and followed by his servant, passed through it before he could be intercepted.