In the house above there was the sound of tramping feet and loud voices. She heard her father say quietly:
"Her Majesty's warrant must be obeyed. Seek what you will, and take what you will. I know nothing of any criminal. I have none such in hiding here. I am an honest citizen, and have nothing to fear. Do your will. I hinder you not."
The next minute Cale had come softly into the back kitchen, and was exchanging a silent but meaning glance with his daughter.
He saw in a moment by her face that all was well. Tom had made good his escape. The longer the search continued in the upper rooms, so much the longer would the fugitive have to put distance between him and his pursuers.
At last the feet came downstairs, and a lantern was flashed all round the basement rooms.
"Here is a window!" cried one. "If the bar were down a man could squeeze himself out. When was this window last opened?"
Rosamund looked up and said quietly:
"The key is lost. We cannot open it. What are you wanting in this house, gentlemen?"
She spoke in a soft voice, and the rough fellows answered with more gentleness.
"We are looking for one Thomas Tufton, your father's lodger, for whose apprehension we hold a warrant. He was seen to enter this house last night, and has not left it since."