The priest did not manifest any surprise on beholding Atherton, but saluting him formally, said:
"I did not expect to find you here, sir, or I should not have intruded. But I will retire."
"Stay!" cried Atherton. "I have a few questions to put to you. First let me ask if you knew I was in the house?"
"I fancied so," replied the priest—"though no one has told me yon were here. I suppose it was thought best not to trust me," he added, glancing at Constance.
"It was my wish that you should be kept in ignorance of the matter," observed Atherton.
"I am to understand, then, that you doubt me, sir," observed the priest. "I am sorry for it. You do me a great injustice. I am most anxious to serve you. Had I been consulted I should have deemed it my duty to represent to you the great risk you would run in taking refuge here—but I would have aided in your concealment, as I will do now; and my services may be called in question sooner, perhaps, than you imagine, for the house is likely to be searched."
"How know you that?" demanded Atherton.
"There has been a messenger here from Manchester——"
"I thought you did not see him, father?" interrupted Constance.
"I saw him and conversed with him," rejoined the priest; "and I learnt that a warrant is out for the arrest of Captain Atherton Legh, and a large reward offered for his apprehension. At the same time I learnt that this house would be strictly searched. Whether you will remain here, or fly, is for your own consideration."