The officer, it would seem, had been well instructed where to search, or was sufficiently practised in his duty, for he proceeded at once to several hiding-places in the different chambers which he visited.

In one room he detected a secret staircase in the wall, which he mounted, and discovered a small chapel built in the roof.

Stripping it of its altar, its statue of the Virgin, its crucifix, pix, chalice, and other consecrated vessels, he descended, and continued his search.

Viviana's chamber was now the only one unvisited.

Trying the door, and finding it locked, he tapped against it with his wand.
"Who knocks ?" asked the maiden.
"A state-messenger," was the reply.