But hear me to an end.

On learning you were made a prisoner, I ran to the door leading to the tower, but found that Judith had locked it, and removed the key.

Not daring to give the alarm--for I had gathered from what was said that the three vergers were in the earl's pay--I determined to await a favourable opportunity to release you.
Accordingly I returned to the vestry door, and again played the eaves-dropper.

By this time, another person, who was addressed as Major Pillichody, and who, it appeared, had been employed in the abduction, had joined the party.

He informed the earl that Mr.Bloundel was in the greatest distress at his daughter's disappearance, and advised him to lose no time in conveying her to some secure retreat.