The longer the search continued in the upper rooms, so much the longer would the fugitive have to put distance between him and his pursuers.
At last the feet came downstairs, and a lantern was flashed all round the basement rooms.
"Here is a window!" cried one.

"If the bar were down a man could squeeze himself out.

When was this window last opened ?" Rosamund looked up and said quietly: "The key is lost.

We cannot open it.

What are you wanting in this house, gentlemen ?" She spoke in a soft voice, and the rough fellows answered with more gentleness.
"We are looking for one Thomas Tufton, your father's lodger, for whose apprehension we hold a warrant.