"If you do, the attempt will cost you your life." Chowles made no answer, but moved along the passage as quickly as Leonard, who kept fast hold of him and walked by his side, would permit.
Presently they reached a door, which neither the apprentice nor Rainbird had observed before, and which admitted them into an extensive vault, with a short staircase at the further end, communicating with a passage that Leonard did not require to be informed was in another house.
Here Chowles paused.

"I think it right to warn you you are running into a danger from which ere long you will be glad to draw back, young man," he said, to the apprentice.

"As a friend, I advise you to proceed no further in the matter." "Waste no more time in talking," cried Leonard, fiercely, and forcing him forward as he spoke, "where is Nizza?
Lead me to her without an instant's delay." "A wilful man must have his way," returned Chowles, hurrying up the main staircase.

"It is not my fault if any harm befalls you." They had just gained the landing when a door on the right was suddenly thrown open, and Sir Paul Parravicin stood before them.

He looked surprised and startled at the sight of the apprentice, and angrily demanded his business.