First, the house was searched by the pursuivant and his gang; then, my young mistress disappeared; then it was rifled by these plunderers; and now, to crown all, it is on fire, and will speedily be burnt to the ground." "Say not so," replied the young merchant.

"The flames have not yet reached the Hall; and, if exertion is used, they may be extinguished without further mischief." "Let those who have kindled them extinguish them," replied Heydocke, sullenly.

"I will not raise hand more." "Who are the incendiaries ?" demanded Fawkes.
"The pursuivant and his myrmidons," replied Heydocke.

"They came here to-night; and after ransacking the house under pretence of procuring further evidence against my master, and carrying off everything valuable they could collect--plate, jewels, ornaments, money, and even wearing-apparel,--they ended by locking up all the servants,--except myself, who managed to elude their vigilance,--in the cellar, and setting fire to the stables." "Wretches!" exclaimed Humphrey Chetham.
"Wretches, indeed!" repeated the steward.

"But this is not all the villany they contemplate.