"With Sir Luke Rookwood—with Alan Rookwood. They have borne her hence. Ranulph, you are too late."
"Gone!" cried Ranulph, fiercely springing to his feet. "How escaped they? There appears to be but one entrance to this vault. I will search each nook and cranny."
"'Tis vain," replied Mrs. Mowbray. "There is another outlet through yon cell. By that passage they escaped."
"Too true, too true," shouted Ranulph, who flew to examine the cell. "And wherefore followed you not?"
"The stone rolled to its mouth, and resisted my efforts. I could not follow."
"Torture and death! She is lost to me for ever!" cried Ranulph, bitterly.
"No!" exclaimed Barbara, clutching his arm. "Place your trust in me, and I will find her for you."
"You!" ejaculated Ranulph.
"Even I," replied Barbara. "Your wrongs shall be righted—my Sybil be avenged."