They both then flew at a swift pace towards the marshy fields, and, owing to the darkness and unstable nature of the ground, speedily distanced their pursuers.
Hearing the disturbance below, and guessing its cause, Topcliffe immediately descended.

But he was too late; and though he joined in the pursuit, he was baffled like his attendants.

Half an hour afterwards, he returned to the house with an angry and disappointed look.
"He has given us the slip," he observed to his superior, who appeared exceedingly provoked by the young merchant's flight; "But we will soon have him again." After giving directions to his men how to conceal themselves, Topcliffe informed his companions that he was ready to attend him.

Viviana, who had remained motionless and silent during the foregoing scene, was taken out of the house, and conducted towards the creek, in which lay a large wherry manned by four rowers.

She was placed within it, and as soon as his superior was seated, Topcliffe inquired-- "Where will your lordship go first ?" "To the Star-Chamber," was the answer.
At this reply, in spite of herself, Viviana could not repress a shudder.
"All is lost!" she mentally ejaculated..