Very significantly uttered, these words left Atherton in no doubt as to their import.
While he was meditating a reply, Markland hurriedly entered the room—alarm depicted in his countenance.
Startled by his looks, Constance and Monica immediately came forward.
"You must instantly return to your hiding-place, sir," said the butler to Atherton. "The officers are here, and mean to search the house. Fortunately, the drawbridge is raised, and I would not allow it to be lowered till I had warned you."
"Are you sure they are the officers?" exclaimed Constance.
"Quite sure. I have seen them and spoken with them. They have a warrant."
"Then it will be impossible to refuse them admittance."
"Impossible," cried the butler.
While this conversation took place, Atherton had opened the secret door in the bookcase, but he now came back, and said to the priest:
"You must bear me company, father. I shall feel safer if I have you with me."