But the real terror for them both lay in the sounds that came from the interior of the house. There was a continual tramp of the sentries placed in every corridor and lobby, and of the messengers that went to and fro. Then from room after room came the sounds of blows, the rending of woodwork, and once or twice the crash of glass, as the searchers went about their work; and at every shout the women shuddered or drew their breath sharply, for any one of the noises might be the sign of Anthony’s arrest.
The two had soon talked out every theory in low voices, but they both agreed that he was still in the house somewhere, and on the upper floor. It was impossible, they thought, for him to have made his way down. There were four possibilities, therefore: either he might still be in the chimney—in that case it was no use hoping; or he was in the chapel-hole; or in that behind the portrait; or in one last one, in the room next to their own. The searchers had been there early in the afternoon, but perhaps had not found it; its entrance was behind the window shutter, and was contrived in the thickness of the wall. So they talked, these two, and conjectured and prayed, as the evening drew on; and the sun began to sink behind the church, and the garden to lie in cool shadow.
About eight there was a tap at the door, and Hubert came in with a tray of food in his hands, which he set down.
“All is in confusion,” he said, “but this is the best I can do.”—He broke off.
“Mistress Isabel,” he said, coming nearer to the two as they sat together in the window-seat, “I can do little; they have found three hiding-holes; but so far he has escaped. I do what I can to draw them off, but they are too clever and zealous. If you can tell me more, perhaps I can do more.”
The two were looking at him with startled eyes.
“Three?” Mary said.
“Yes, three—and indeed——” He stopped as Isabel got up and came towards him.
“Hubert,” she said resolutely, “I must tell you. He must be still in the chimney of the little west parlour. Do what you can.”
“The west parlour!” he said. “That was where Mistress Corbet was burning the papers?”