“In every corner of the staircases and passages,” said Squire Dan.
“Can your lordship help us? There may be places you know of which we do not know?” said Denzil, his voice trembling a little. “It is alarming that they should be so long in concealment. We have called to them in every part of the house.”
Fareham hurried to the door, taking instant alarm—anxious, pale, alert.
“Come!” he said to the others. “The oak chests in the music-room—the great Florentine coffer in the gallery? Have you looked in those?”
“Yes; we have opened every chest.”
“Faith, to see Sir Denzil turn over piles of tapestries, you would have thought he was looking for a fairy that could hide in the folds of a curtain!” said Lettsome.
“It is no theme for jesting. I hate these tricks of hiding in strange corners,” said Fareham. “Now, show me where they left you.”
“In the long gallery.”
“They have gone up to the roof, perhaps.”
“We have been in the roof,” said Denzil.