“Chancing to pass along the entry on the other side of that wall about a quarter of an hour ago,” returned Pillichody, “I perceived a rope-ladder fastened to it, and wishing to ascertain what was the matter, I mounted it, and had scarcely got over into the yard, when I saw two persons advancing.  I concealed myself beneath the shadow of the wall, and they did not notice me; but I gathered from their discourse who they were and what was their design.  I allowed Amabel to ascend, but just as the apprentice was following, I laid hold of the skirt of his doublet, and, pulling him back, desired him to come with me to his master.  He answered by drawing his sword, and would have stabbed me, but I closed with him, and should have secured him if my foot had not slipped.  While I was on the ground, he dealt me a severe blow, and ran after his mistress.”

“Just like him,” replied Blaize.  “He took the same cowardly advantage of me last night.”

“No punishment will be too severe for him,” rejoined Pillichody, “and I hope your master will make a terrible example of him.”

“How fortunate I was not gone to bed!” exclaimed Blaize, “I had just taken a couple of rufuses, and was about to put on my nightcap, when, hearing a noise without, and being ever on the alert to defend my master’s property, even at the hazard of my life, I stepped forth and found you.”

“I will bear testimony to your vigilance and courage,” returned Pillichody; “but you had better go and alarm your master, I will wait here.”

“Instantly I-instantly!” cried Blaize, rushing upstairs.

On the way to Mr. Bloundel’s chamber, he met Patience, and told her what he had heard.  She was inclined to put a very different construction on the story; but as she bore the apprentice no particular good-will, she determined to keep her opinion to herself, and let affairs take their course.  The grocer was soon aroused, and scarcely able to credit the porter’s intelligence, and yet fearing something must be wrong, he hastily attired himself, and proceeded to Amabel’s room.  It was empty, and it was evident from the state in which everything was left, that she had never retired to rest.  Confounded by the sight, Bloundel then hurried downstairs in search of the apprentice, but he was nowhere to be found.  By this time, Mrs. Bloundel had joined him, and on hearing Blaize’s story, utterly scouted it.

“It cannot be,” she cried.  “Leonard could have no motive for acting thus.  He had our consent to the union, and the sole obstacle to it was Amabel herself.  Is it likely he would run away with her?”

“I am sure I do not know,” replied Patience, “but he was desperately in love, that’s certain; and when people are in love, I am told they do very strange and unaccountable things.  Perhaps he may have carried her off against her will.”

“Very likely,” rejoined Blaize.  “I thought I heard a scream, and should have called out at the moment, but a rufus stuck in my throat and prevented me.”