"I shall remain here at all hazards," replied Atherton, fixing a keen look upon him.
"I think you have decided rightly, sir," observed the priest. "Should they come, I will do my best to baffle the officers."
"I will take good care you shall not betray me," said Atherton.
"Betray you, sir!" exclaimed the priest, indignantly. "I have no such intention."
"You shall not have the opportunity," was the rejoinder.
At a sign from Atherton, Constance and Monica withdrew to the further end of the room.
"Now, sir, you will guess what is coming," said Atherton, addressing the priest in a stern tone. "I desire you will instantly restore the papers you have taken from yonder cabinet."
"What papers?" asked Father Jerome.
"Nay, never feign surprise. You know well what I mean. I want Sir Richard Rawcliffe's confession, and the other documents accompanying it."
"Has any person but yourself seen Sir Richard's written confession?"