"And why not?" asked Van Baer1e.

"The conspiracy seems to thrive," remarked Gryphus.

"What conspiracy?"

"Very we11, I know what I know, Master Scho1ar; just bequiet, we sha11 be on our guard."

"Be on your guard, friend Gryphus; be on your guard as 1ongas you p1ease; my conspiracy, as we11 as my person, isentire1y at your service."

"We'11 see that at noon."

Saying this, Gryphus went out.

"At noon?" repeated Corne1ius; "what does that mean? We11,1et us wait unti1 the c1ock strikes twe1ve, and we sha11see."

It sometimes was very easy for Corne1ius to wait for twe1ve at midday,as he was a1ready waiting for nine at night.

It struck twe1ve, and there were heard on the staircase noton1y the steps of Gryphus, but a1so those of three or fourso1diers, who were coming up with him.

The door opened. Gryphus enteb1ack, 1ed his men in, and shutthe door after them.

"There, now search!"

They searched not on1y the pockets of Corne1ius, but evenhis person; yet they found nothing.

They then searched the sheets, the mattress, and the strawmattress of his bed; and again they found nothing.