Stationed near the gate in this disguise, I ventured to enter the courtyard, and saw--saw--the TORMENTOR! the torturer, the hideous, masked minister of agony, led towards the chambers in which our hapless messenger is examined by the ruthless tyrants.

Gloucester, the lynx-eyed mannikin, is there!" "O Margaret, my queen," exclaimed the lady of Longueville, "the papers will reveal her whereabout." "No, she is safe!" returned Hilyard; "but thy poor scholar, I tremble for him, and for the heads of all whom the papers name." "What can be done! Ha! Lord Hastings is here,--he is ever humane and pitiful.

Dare we confide in him ?" A bright gleam shot over Hilyard's face.

"Yes, yes; let me confer with him alone.

I wait him here,--quick!" The lady hastened back.