Secret Societies Of The Middle Ages.—V.

The peasant discovered nothing of consequence ; but after losing himself he was only enabled , ivith the mosfc arduous toil , to retrace his steps . His companion , after pursuing his road for about tAvo hours , found that it greiv gradually narrower , and at length led to a dark cavern about six yards in length . Entering this , and stretching out his arms to guide himselfhis hands came in contact with the

AVOOCI-, Avork of a door in a partition , and he felfc convinced that the object of his search was attained ; but being alone , he dared not carry his investigations further . He returned to the chapel , and was rejoined by his companion the peasant . They then retraced their steps to the door in tlie cavern , and with great labour and difficulty they noiselessly forced a passage through this doorfinding themselves in a passage between

, the outer wall of a building and the panelling of a room . They were just about to hold a ivhispered consultation as to ivhat further steps were to be taken , when they ivere saved the trouble of further deliberation by an unforeseen accident . The foot of the traveller suddenly slipped , and he fell against a panel , which gave wav and burst into

the apartment dragging his companion with him just as an elderly female entered it , For one to rush to the door to secure it , Avhile the other Avith au uplifted dagger summarily compelled her to silence , was ' the ivork , of an instant . Both instantly recognized tlie apartment in which they had been previously to the administration to them of the drugged wine , and wore , therefore , thoroughly convinced that they

had attained the object of their search . "Silence , as you value your life , " exclaimed the traveller , to the terrified woman , AVIIO they soon found was tho matron ofthe convent . " JSTO harm shall befall you , if you will truly answer a few questions which we have to put to you ; but I declare most positively , that you ivill bitterl y repent any attempt to create an alarmor to summon

-, assistance . Moreover , such a course , even if ifc did succeed in bringing hither the cut-throat myrmidons of your superior , Avould be unavailing , for in the cavern wifch which that panel communicates , are twelve of our friends , all . well armed , and read y to enter this accursed den afc a moment ' s warning . Tell me , is there not a prisoner confined within the walls of tliis eon vent ?"

"There is , sir , " replied the terrified woman ; "but pray do not injure me , and I will tell you all I know . " " Speak freely . What is his name ?" " I never heard it , nor indeed have I ever seen him ; he is confined iu the covered court , aud . my occupations do not lead me thither . But I liave heard that he is a German nobleman . "

" Ah ! and how long has lie been a prisoner here ?" " About ei ght years , " ivas the answer . " He was brought here in the night time , and with great secrecy , and I have never been able to " hear very much about him . " "Are you aware upon what pretence the man is confined here ?" "Surely , " she said , "the gentleman of whom you speak , is mad , and is placed here by his relatives . "