Advancing slowly towards the prisoners, the officer received the warrant from Osmond Mounchensey, while the halberdiers closed round the two extortioners.
"Before the prisoner, Mompesson, is removed," said Charles, "see that he delivers up to you his keys.

Let an inventory be taken of all monies within the house, and let the royal seal be placed upon all boxes and caskets.

All deeds and other documents must be carefully preserved to be examined hereafter.

And let strict search be made--for I have heard there are many hidden depositories of treasure--especially within the prisoner's secret cabinet." "Take heed that the strictest examination be made," subjoined Buckingham, "in accordance with his Highness's behests--for the knave smiles, as if he thought his precautions were so well taken that the searchers would be baffled." "Fear nothing, my Lord Marquis," replied the Serjant-at-arms.

"Now, prisoner," he added, to Mompesson--"your keys!" While the officer was thus employed, Luke Hatton stepped forward.
"Those keys will be of little use," he said, to the Prince.