They had no sooner touched the ground than Leonard, drawing his pistols, advanced towards them.
"You are my prisoner, my lord," he said, in a stern voice, "and shall not depart with life, unless you pledge your word never to come hither again on the same errand." "Betrayed!" cried the earl, laying his hand upon his sword.
"Resistance is in vain, my lord," rejoined Leonard.

"I am better armed than yourself." "Will nothing bribe you to silence, fellow ?" cried the earl.

"I will give you a thousand pounds, if you will hold your tongue, and conduct me to my mistress." "I can scarcely tell what stays my hand," returned Leonard, in a furious tone.

"But I will hold no further conversation with you.

Amabel is present, and will give you your final dismissal herself." "If I receive it from her own lips," replied the earl, "I will instantly retire--but not otherwise." "Amabel," said Leonard in a low tone to her, "you hear what is said.
Fulfil your promise." "Do so," cried a voice, which she instantly recognised, in her ear--"I am near you." "Ah!" she exclaimed.
"Do you hesitate ?" cried the apprentice, sternly.
"My lord," said Amabel, in a faint voice, "I must pray you to retire, your efforts are in vain.