Silently, and with due caution, she led the unfortunate Earl to her own
chamber, where, in a recess opening through the bed's head into the
arras, he seemed secure from discovery.
Scarcely was this arrangement completed, ere a thundering knock
announced the visitor. It was an officer of justice, attended by some
half-dozen followers, who watched every avenue to the house whilst his
message was delivered within.
This official delivered into the hands of Holt a warrant for the
apprehension of O'Neale, Earl of Tyrone, a traitor, then suspected of
being harboured in the mansion of Grislehurst, whom the occupier was
commanded, on pain of being treated as an accomplice, to deliver into
the hands of justice, for the due administering of those pains and
penalties which were attached to his crime.
The loyal owner, fired with indignation at this foul charge, rebutting
the accusation with contempt.
"However loth," said the messenger, "I must execute mine office; and,
seeing this first mission hath failed in its purpose, I have here a
warrant of search. Mine orders are imperative."
"I tell thee I have no plotters lurking here.
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