"It is false," cried Bloundel, "as false as the character you just personated, for I recognise you as the knave who recently appeared before me as a watchman."
"I pledge you my word as a nobleman," interposed Rochester, "that your daughter has just descended to Saint Faith's with your apprentice."
"I can corroborate his lordship's assertion," said Etherege.
"And I," added Pillichody. "By the holy apostle to whom this fane is dedicated! it is so."
"To convince you that we speak the truth, we will go with you and assist you to search," said Rochester.
Attaching little credit to what he heard, and yet unwilling to lose a chance of recovering his daughter, the grocer rushed to the door indicated by his informant, but found it fastened.
"You had better go to the main entrance," said one of the vergers; "I have the keys with me, and will admit you."
"I will keep guard here till you return," said another verger
Accompanied by Rochester and Etherege, Bloundel then proceeded to the chief door of the subterranean church. It was situated at the south of the cathedral, between two of the larger buttresses, and at the foot of a flight of stone steps. On reaching it, the verger produced his keys, but they were of no avail, for the door was barred withinside. After many fruitless attempts to obtain admission, they were fain to give up the attempt.
"Well, if we cannot get in, no one shall get out," observed the verger. "The only key that opens this door is in my possession, so we have them safe enough."