"Oh, yes, I relish it exceedingly," replied Pillichody; "her husband—ha!—ha!—and Disbrowe is the disappointed lover—capital! But here we are—and I wish we were anywhere else," he added to himself.
"Are you sure you are right?" asked Parravicin, searching for the key.
"Quite sure," returned Pillichody. "Don't you see some one behind that wall?"
"I see nothing," rejoined the knight. "You are afraid of shadows, major."
"Afraid!" ejaculated Pillichody. "Thousand thunders! I am afraid of nothing."
"In that case, I shall expect to find you have slain Disbrowe, on my return," rejoined Parravicin, unlocking the door.
"The night is chilly," observed the major, "and ever since my campaigns in the Low Countries, I have been troubled with rheumatism. I should prefer keeping guard inside."
"No, no, you must remain where you are," replied the knight, shutting the door.
Pillichody was about to take to his heels, when he felt himself arrested by a powerful arm. He would have roared for aid, but a voice, which he instantly recognised, commanded him to keep silence, if he valued his life.
"Is your companion in the house?" demanded Disbrowe, in a hollow tone.