One thing John Scott insisted upon—that there was to be no violence, no bloodshed; that if the robbery could not be effected quietly and peaceably, without bodily harm to any inmate, it was not to be done at all, it was to be given up at once.
The men promised all that their principal asked, on condition that he would act his part, and let them into the castle.
That night John Scott did his work, and attained the climax of his evil life.
He tampered with the valet, treated him with drugged whiskey, and while the wretched man was in a stupid sleep, stole from him the pass-key to Sir Lemuel Levison's private apartment.
We know how that terrible night ended. John Scott could not control the devils he had raised.
Only robbery had been intended; but murder was perpetrated.
John Scott, with the curse of Cain upon his soul, and without the spoil for which he had incurred it, fled to London and afterwards to the Continent, where he became a homeless wanderer for years, and where he was subsequently joined by his female companion, Rose.