On reading this letter, Osmond at once understood his ally's plan, together with its danger, and felt that, as he had not returned, he had, in all probability, fallen a victim to his rashness.

Telling the old woman whither he was going, and that inquiries might be made there for him on the morrow, if he did not re-appear with her master, he set out at once for the place indicated.
We shall, however, precede him.
Ever since Mompesson had been taken to the Fleet, his habitation had been deserted.

The place was cursed.

So much odium attached to it,--so many fearful tales were told of it,--that no one would dwell there.

At the time of its owner's committal, it was stripped of all its contents, and nothing was left but bare walls and uncovered floors.