"No matter who we are," replied Leonard, "we demand admittance to search for a young female who has been taken from her home by the Earl of Rochester, and is now concealed within the vaults of the cathedral."
"If admittance is refused us, we will soon let ourselves in," vociferated Lamplugh.
"Ay, that we will," added the smith.
"You are mistaken, friends," returned the verger, timorously. "The Earl of Rochester is not here."
"We will not take your word for it," rejoined the smith. "This will show you we are not to be trifled with."
So saying, he raised his hammer, and struck such a tremendous blow against the door, that the bolts started in their sockets.
"Hold! hold!" cried the verger; "sooner than violence shall be committed, I will risk your admission."
And he unfastened the door.
"Keep together," shouted the smith, stretching out his arms to oppose the progress of the crowd. "Keep together, I say."
"Ay, ay, keep together," added Lamplugh, seconding his efforts.