"You are mad!" said the notary, with indignation. "If you think a murderer is secreted in my house, search, and leave no corner unexamined!"
The inmates became alarmed by the noise; and Ershebet and Vilma got up and hastily dressed themselves; while the notary, with a lantern in his hand, led the way into every room and nook of his house, until they were convinced that the robber was not there.
"Did you see," said Ferko to the ferryman, holding him back; "did you see how he trembled when I mentioned the murder of the attorney?"
"Of course I did. Do you think I am blind?"
"And his boots too were up to the ankles in mud," continued Ferko.
"That's no wonder, in such weather as this," answered the ferryman; "ours are nearly up to the knees in mud."
"By God! If I had not known him these ten years, I would——"
"You don't mean to say that you suspect the notary of the murder of Catspaw, do you?" demanded the ferryman, with warmth.
"If nobody else had been in the house, upon my soul I'd believe it!"
"You are a fool, Ferko!" exclaimed the old man, turning round in the direction of the Castle, whither all the others repaired in silence.