Two of the burglars made a desperate push down the kitchen stairs and escaped: the third was captured in an attempt to follow his companions.
The light of the candle fell upon the villain's countenance, which was literally ghastly with a mingled expression of rage and alarm.
Richard shuddered: for the captured burglar was no other than the Resurrection Man.
"Wretch!" exclaimed Markham, recovering his self-command: "the law will at length reach you."
"What! do you know this fellow?" demanded the count, somewhat surprised by the observation.
"Know me!" cried the Resurrection Man: "of course he does. But supposing someone was to tell you a piece of valuable information, count—about a matter closely concerning yourself and family—would you be inclined to be merciful?"
"Of what nature is that information? It must be very valuable indeed, if you think that I will enter into any compromise with such as you."
"Pledge me your word that you will let me go scot free, and I will tell you something that concerns the peace and happiness—perhaps the honour of your daughter."
"Miscreant!" cried Markham: "profane not that lady by even alluding to her!"
"Stay—curse the fellow's impudence," said the count: "perhaps he may really have somewhat worth communicating. At all events, I will try him. Now, then, my man, what is it that you have to say? If your statement be worth hearing, I swear that I will neither molest you, nor suffer you to be molested."