"Arm yourself with that ruffian's weapons," replied Jack, "and let us search for her."
Thames complied. But he was so feeble, that it seemed scarcely possible he could offer any effectual resistance in case of an attack.
"Lean on me," said Jack.
Taking the light, they then proceeded along the passage. There was no other door in it, and Jack therefore struck into another entry which branched off to the right. They had not proceeded far when a low moan was heard.
"She is here," cried Jack, darting forward.
A few steps brought him to the door of the vault in which his mother was immured. It was locked. Jack had brought away the bunch of keys which he had taken from Quilt Arnold, but, none of them would open it. He was therefore obliged to use the iron bar, which he did with as much caution as circumstances would permit. At the first blow, Mrs. Sheppard uttered a piercing scream.
"Wretch!" she cried, "you shall not force me to your hateful purpose. I will never wed you. I have a weapon—a knife—and if you attempt to open the door, will plunge it to my heart."
"Oh God!" exclaimed Jack, paralysed by her cries. "What shall I do? If I persist, I shall destroy her."
"Get hence," continued Mrs. Sheppard, with a frenzied laugh. "You shall never behold me alive."
"Mother!" cried Jack, in a broken voice. "It is your son."