If Cherry be not within, it behoves us to make search for her." Keziah's face was pale with terror as she flew to do Jacob's bidding.

She had a terrible fear of London streets, at night, as well she might, and the open country beyond was even worse to her excited imagination.

And Cherry was so pretty, so simple, so credulous, and withal so utterly defenceless should there be any sort of attack made upon her.

Keziah's hands shook as she lighted the lantern; and as minutes were fast slipping away and still there was no sign of the truant, she was rather relieved than terrified to hear the sharp accents of her aunt's voice mingling with her father's deeper tones as the whole party came tramping down the stairs.

It was plain that Jacob had let the secret ooze out, and that all the company had become alarmed.