--I have no friend." Here she paused; and then
suddenly, as if recollecting herself, added, "I have no friend, but I
have that will purchase many--I have that which will purchase both
friends and avengers.--It is well thought of; I must not leave it for
a prey to cheats and ruffians.--Stranger, you must return to yonder
room. Pass through it boldly to his--that is, to the sleeping
apartment; push the bedstead aside; beneath each of the posts is a
brass plate, as if to support the weight, but it is that upon the
left, nearest to the wall, which must serve your turn--press the
corner of the plate, and it will spring up and show a keyhole, which
this key will open. You will then lift a concealed trap-door, and in a
cavity of the floor you will discover a small chest. Bring it hither;
it shall accompany our journey, and it will be hard if the contents
cannot purchase me a place of refuge."
"But the door communicating with the kitchen has been locked by these
people," said Nigel.
"True, I had forgot; they had their reasons for that, doubtless,"
answered she. "But the secret passage from your apartment is open, and
you may go that way."
Lord Glenvarloch took the key, and, as he lighted a lamp to show him
the way, she read in his countenance some unwillingness to the task
imposed.
"You fear?" said she--"there is no cause; the murderer and his victim
are both at rest.
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