第18章

Theintelligencewehadfromherinspiredustopushforward,sparingneitherspurnorhorseflesh,inthehopethatwemightovertakeBruhlbeforenightshouldexposehiscaptivestofreshhardshipsanddangers.ButthepitchtowhichthedismalsightsandsoundsIhavementioned,andahundredlikethem,hadraisedthefearsofmyfollowingdidmuchtobalkmyendeavours.Forawhile,indeed,undertheinfluenceofmomentaryexcitement,theyspurredtheirhorsestothegallop,asiftheirmindsweremadeuptofacetheworst;butpresentlytheycheckedthemdespiteallmyefforts,and,laggingslowlyandmoreslowly,seemedtoloseallspiritandenergy.Thedesolationwhichmetoureyesoneveryside,nolessthanthedeath-likestillnesswhichprevailed,eventhebirds,asitseemedtous,beingsilent,chilledthemostrecklesstotheheart.Maignan\'sfacelostitscolour,hisvoiceitsring.Asfortherest,startingatasoundandwincingifaleathergalledthem,theyglancedbackwardstwiceforoncetheylookedforwards,andheldthemselvesreadytotaketotheirheelsandbegoneattheleastalarm.

Notingthesesigns,anddoubtingifIcouldtrustevenMaignan,I

thoughtitprudenttochangemyplace,andfallingtotherear,rodetherewithagrimfaceandapistolreadytomyhand.ItwasnottheleastofmyannoyancesthatM.d\'Agenappearedtobeignorantofanycauseforapprehensionsavesuchaslaybeforeus,andridingoninthesamegloomyfitwhichhadpossessedhimfromthemomentofstarting,neithersoughtmyopinionnorgavehisown,butseemedtohaveundergonesocompleteandmysteriousachangethatIcouldthinkofonethingonlythatcouldhavepowertoeffectsomarvellousatransformation.Ifelthispresenceatrialratherthanahelp,andreviewingthecourseofourshortfriendship,whichadayortwobeforehadbeensogreatadelighttome——asthefriendshipofayoungmancommonlyistoonegrowingold——Ipuzzledmyselfwithmuchwonderingwhethertherecouldberivalrybetweenus.

Sunset,whichwaswelcometomycompany,sinceitremovedthehaze,whichtheyregardedwithsuperstitiousdread,foundusstillploddingthroughacountryoflowridgesandshallowvalleys,bothclothedinoak-woods.Itsshortbrightnessdiedaway,andwithitmylasthopeofsurprisingBruhlbeforeI

slept.Darknessfelluponusaswewendedourwayslowlydownasteephillsidewherethepathwassonarrowanddifficultastopermitonlyonetodescendatatime.Astreamofsomesize,ifwemightjudgefromthenoiseitmade,pouredthroughtheravinebelowus,andpresently,atthepointwherewebelievedthecrossingtobe,weespiedasolitarylightshiningintheblackness.Toproceedfartherwasimpossible,forthegroundgrewmoreandmoreprecipitous;and,seeingthis,IbadeMaignandismount,andleavinguswherewewere,goforaguidetothehousefromwhichthelightissued.

Heobeyed,andplungingintothenight,whichinthatpit;

betweenthehillswasofaninkydarkness,presentlyreturnedwithapeasantandalanthorn.Iwasabouttobidthemanguideustotheford,ortosomelevelgroundwherewecouldpicketthehorses,whenMaignangleefullycriedoutthathehadnews.I

askedwhatnews.

\'Speakup,MANANT!\'hesaid,holdinguphislanthornsothatthelightfellontheman\'shaggardfaceandunkempthair.\'TellhisExcellencywhatyouhavetoldme,orIwillskinyoualive,littleman!\'

\'Yourotherpartycametothefordanhourbeforesunset,\'thepeasantanswered,staringdullyatus.\'Isawthemcoming,andhidmyself.Theyquarrelledbytheford.Somewereforcrossing,andsomenot.\'

\'Theyhadladieswiththem?\'M.d\'Agensaidsuddenly.

\'Ay,two,yourExcellency,\'theclownanswered,\'ridinglikemen.

Intheendtheydidnotcrossforfearoftheplague,butturneduptheriver,androdewestwardstowardsSt.Gaultier.\'

\'St.Gaultier!\'Isaid,\'Whereisthat?Wheredoestheroadtoitgotobesides?\'

Butthepeasant\'sknowledgewasconfinedtohisownneighbourhood.HeknewnoworldbeyondSt.Gaultier,andcouldnotanswermyquestion.Iwasabouttobidhimshowusthewaydown,whenMaignancriedoutthatheknewmore.

\'What?\'Iasked.

\'Arnidieu!heheardthemsaywheretheyweregoingtospendthenight!\'

\'Ha!\'Icried.\'Where?\'

\'Inanoldruinedcastletwoleaguesfromthis,andbetweenhereandSt.Gaultier,\'theequerryanswered,forgettinginhistriumphbothplagueandpanic.\'Whatdoyousaytothat,yourExcellency?Itisso,sirrah,isitnot?\'hecontinued,turningtothepeasant.\'Speak,MasterJacques,orIwillroastyoubeforeaslowfire!\'

ButIdidnotwaittoheartheanswer.Leapingtotheground,I

tooktheCid\'sreinonmyarm,andcriedimpatientlytothemantoleadusdown.

CHAPTERXXVIII.

THECASTLEONTHEHILL.

ThecertaintythatBruhlandhiscaptiveswerenotfaroff,andthelikelihoodthatwemightbeengagedwithinthehour,expelledfromthemindsofeventhemosttimorousamongusthevapourishfearswhichhadbeforehauntedthem.Inthehurriedscramblewhichpresentlylandedusonthebankofthestream,menwhohadriddenforhoursinsulkysilencefoundtheirvoices,andfromcursingtheirhorses\'blunderssoonadvancedtoswearingandsingingafterthefashionoftheirkind.Thischange,byrelievingmeofagreatfear,leftmeatleisuretoconsiderourposition,andestimatemoreclearlythanImighthavedonetheadvantagesofhastening,orpostponing,anattack.Wenumberedeleven;theenemy,tothebestofmybelief,twelve.OfthisslightsuperiorityIshouldhavereekedlittleinthedaytime;

nor,perhaps,countingMaignanastwo,haveallowedthatitexisted.Buttheresultofanightattackismoredifficulttoforecast;andIhadalsototakeintoaccounttheperilstowhichthetwoladieswouldbeexposed,betweenthedarknessandtumult,intheeventoftheissueremainingforatimeindoubt.

Theseconsiderations,andparticularlythelast,weighedsopowerfullywithme,thatbeforeIreachedthebottomofthegorgeIhaddecidedtopostponetheattackuntilmorning.TheanswerstosomequestionswhichIputtotheinhabitantofthehousebythefordassoonasIreachedlevelgroundonlyconfirmedmeinthisresolution.TheroadBruhlhadtakenranforadistancebytheriverside,andalongthebottomofthegorge;and,difficultbyday,wasreportedtobeimpracticableforhorsesbynight.

Thecastlehehadmentionedlayfulltwoleaguesaway,andonthefartheredgeofatractofroughwoodland.Finally,Idoubtedwhether,intheabsenceofanyotherreasonfordelay,Icouldhavemarchedmymen,wearyastheywere,totheplacebeforedaybreak.

WhenIcametoannouncethisdecision,however,andtoinquirewhataccommodationthepeasantcouldaffordus,Ifoundmyselfintrouble.Fanchette,mademoiselle\'swoman,suddenlyconfrontedme,herfacescarletwithrage.Thrustingherselfforwardintothecircleoflightcastbythelanthorn,sheassailedmewithavirulenceandfiercenesswhichsaidmoreforherdevotiontohermistressthanherrespectforme.Herwildgesticulations,herthreats,andtheappealswhichshemadenowtome,andnowtothemenwhostoodinacircleroundus,theirfacesinshadow,discomfitedasmuchastheysurprisedme.

\'What!\'shecriedviolently,\'youcallyourselfagentleman,andliehereandletmymistressbemurdered,orworse,withinaleagueofyou!Twoleagues?Agroatforyourtwoleagues!I

wouldwalkthembarefoot,ifthatwouldshameyou.Andyou,youcallyourselvesmen,andsufferit!ItisGod\'struthyouareasetofcravensandsluggards.Givemeasmanywomen,andI

would——\'

\'Peace,woman!\'Maignansaidinhisdeepvoice.\'Youhadyourwayandcamewithus,andyouwillobeyordersaswellasanother!Beoff,andseetothevictualsbeforeworsehappentoyou!\'

\'Ay,seetothevictuals!\'sheretorted.\'Seetothevictuals,forsooth!Thatisallyouthinkof——toliewarmandeatyourfill!Asetofdastardly,drinking,droningguzzlersyouare!

Youare!\'sheretorted,hervoicerisingtoashriek.\'Maytheplaguetakeyou!\'

\'Silence!\'Maignangrowledfiercely,\'orhaveacaretoyourself!Foracopper-pieceIwouldsendyoutocoolyourheelsinthewaterbelow——forthatlastword!Begone,doyouhear,\'hecontinued,seizingherbytheshoulderandthrustinghertowardsthehouse,\'orworsemayhappentoyou.Weareroughcustomers,asyouwillfindifyoudonotlockupyourtongue!\'

Iheardhergowailingintothedarkness;andHeavenknowsitwasnotwithoutcompunctionIforcedmyselftoremaininactiveinthefaceofadevotionwhichseemedsomuchgreaterthanmine.Themenfellawayonebyonetolooktotheirhorsesandchoosesleeping-quartersforthenight;andpresentlyM.d\'AgenandI

wereleftalonestandingbesidethelanthorn,whichthemanhadhungonabushbeforehisdoor.Thebrawlingofthewaterasitpouredbetweenthebanks,ascoreofpacesfromus,andtheblackdarknesswhichhideverythingbeyondthelittleringoflightinwhichwestood——sothatforallwecouldseewewereinapit——

hadtheairofisolatingusfromalltheworld.

Ilookedattheyoungman,whohadnotoncelispedthatday;andIplainlyreadinhisattitudehisdisapprovalofmycaution.

Thoughhedeclinedtomeetmyeye,hestoodwithhisarmsfoldedandhisheadthrownback,makingnoattempttodisguisethescornandill-temperwhichhisfaceexpressed.Hurtbythewoman\'staunts,andpossiblyshakeninmyopinion,Igrewrestiveunderhissilence,andunwiselygavewaytomyfeelings.

\'Youdonotappeartoapproveofmydecision,M.d\'Agen?\'I

said.

\'Itisyourstocommand,sir,\'heansweredproudly.

Therearetruismswhichhavemorepowertoannoythantheveriestreproaches.Ishouldhaveborneinmindthesuspenseandanxietyhewassuffering,andwhichhadsochangedhimthatIscarcelyknewhimforthegayyoungsparkonwhosetoeIhadtrodden.I

shouldhaverememberedthathewasyoungandIold,andthatitbehovedmetobepatient.Butonmysidealsotherewasanxiety,andresponsibilityaswell;and,aboveall,aranklingsoreness,towhichIrefrainfromgivingthenameofjealousy,thoughitcameasneartothatfeelingasthedifferenceinouragesandpersonaladvantages(whereofthebalancewasallonhisside)

wouldpermit.This,nodoubt,itwaswhichimpelledmetocontinuetheargument.

\'Youwouldgoon?\'Isaidpersistently.

\'ItisidletosaywhatIwoulddo,\'heansweredwithaflashofanger.

\'Iaskedforyouropinion,sir,\'Irejoinedstiffly.

\'Towhatpurpose?\'heretorted,strokinghissmallmoustachehaughtily,\'Welookatthethingfromoppositepoints.You,aregoingaboutyourbusiness,whichappearstobetherescuingofladieswhoare——mayIventuretosayit?sounfortunateastoentrustthemselvestoyourcharge.I,M.deMarsac,ammoredeeplyinterested.Moredeeplyinterested,\'herepeatedlamely.

\'I——inaword,Iamprepared,sir,todowhatothersonlytalkof——andifIcannotfollowotherwise,wouldfollowonmyfeet!\'

\'Whom?\'Iaskedcurtly,stungbythisrepetitionofmyownwords.

Helaughedharshlyandbitterly.\'Whyexplain?orwhyquarrel?\'

herepliedcynically.\'Godknows,ifIcouldaffordtoquarrelwithyou,Ishouldhavedonesofiftyhoursago.ButIneedyourhelp;and,needingit,Iampreparedtodothatwhichmustseemtoapersonofyourcalmpassionsandperfectjudgmentalikefutileandincredible——paythefullpriceforit.\'

\'Thefullpriceforit!\'Imuttered,understandingnothing,exceptthatIdidnotunderstand.

\'Ay,thefullpriceforit!\'herepeated.AndashespokehelookedatmewithanexpressionofragesofiercethatIrecoiledastep.Thatseemedtorestorehiminsomedegreetohimself,forwithoutgivingmeanopportunityofansweringheturnedhastilyfromme,and,stridingaway,wasinamomentlostinthedarkness.

Heleftmeamazedbeyondmeasure.Istoodrepeatinghisphraseabout\'thefullprice\'ahundredtimesover,butstillfounditandhispassioninexplicable.Tocutthemattershort,Icouldcometonootherconclusionthanthathedesiredtoinsultme,andawareofmypovertyandtheequivocalpositioninwhichI

stoodtowardsmademoiselle,chosehiswordsaccordingly.ThisseemedathingunworthyofoneofwhomIhadbeforethoughthighly;butcalmerreflectionenablingmetoseesomethingofyouthfulbombastinthetiradehehaddelivered,Ismiledalittlesadly,anddeterminedtothinknomoreofthematterforthepresent,buttopersistfirmlyinthatwhichseemedtometobetherightcourse.

Havingsettledthis,Iwasabouttoenterthehouse,whenMaignanstoppedme,tellingmethattheplaguehadkilledfivepeopleinit,lettingonlythemanwehadseen;whohad,indeed,beenseized,butrecovered.Thisghastlynewshadscaredmycompanytosuchadegreethattheyhadgoneasfarfromthehouseasthelevelgroundpermitted,andtherelightedafire,roundwhichtheyweregoingtopassthenight.Fanchettehadtakenupherquartersinthestable,andtheequerryannouncedthathehadkeptashedfullofsweet,hayforM.d\'Agenandmyself.I

assentedtothisarrangement,andaftersuppingoffsoupandblackbread,whichwasallwecouldprocure,badethepeasantrouseustwohoursbeforesunrise;andso,beingtoowearyandoldinservicetoremainawakethinking,Ifellasleep,andslept;soundlytillalittleafterfour.

Myfirstbusinessonrisingwastoseethatthemenbeforemountingmadeameal,foritisillworkfightingempty.Iwentroundalsoandsawthatallhadtheirarms,andthatsuchascarriedpistolshadthemloadedandprimed.Francoisdidnotputinanappearanceuntilthisworkwasdone,andthenshowedaverypaleandgloomycountenance.Itooknoheedofhim,however,andwiththefirststreakofdaylightwestartedinsinglefileandatasnail\'spaceupthevalley,thepeasant,whomIplacedinMaignan\'scharge,goingbeforetoguideus,andM.d\'AgenandI

ridingintherear.Bythetimethesunroseandwarmedourchilledandshiveringframeswewereovertheworstoftheground,andwereabletoadvanceatsomespeedalongatrackcutthroughadenseforestofoak-trees.

Thoughwehadnowrisenoutofthevalley,theclose-settrunksandtheundergrowthroundthempreventedourseeinginanydirection.Foramileormorewerodeonblindly,andpresentlystartedonfindingourselvesonthebrowofahill,lookingdownintoavalley,thenearerendofwhichwasclothedinwoods,whilethefartherwidenedintogreenslopingpastures.Fromthemidstoftheseahillormountrosesharplyup,untilitendedinwallsofgreystonescarcetobedistinguishedatthatdistancefromthenativerockonwhichtheystood.

\'See!\'criedourguide.\'Thereisthecastle!\'

Biddingthemendismountinhaste,thatthechanceofourbeingseenbytheenemy——whichwasnotgreat——mightbefartherlessened,Ibegantoinspectthepositionatleisure;myfirstfeelingwhiledoingsobeingoneofthankfulnessthatIhadnotattemptedanightattack,whichmustinevitablyhavemiscarried,possiblywithlosstoourselves,andcertainlywiththeresultofinformingtheenemyofourpresence.Thecastle,ofwhichwehadatolerableview,waslongandnarrowinshape,consistingoftwotowersconnectedbywalls,Thenearertower,throughwhichlaytheentrance,wasroofless,andineverywayseemedtobemoreruinousthantheinnerone,whichappearedtobeperfectinbothitsstories.Thisdefectnotwithstanding,theplacewassostrongthatmyheartsanklowerthelongerIlooked;andaglanceatMaignan\'sfaceassuredmethathisexperiencewasalsoatfault.ForM.d\'Agen,Iclearlysaw,whenIturnedtohim,thathehadneveruntilthismomentrealisedwhatwehadtoexpect,but,regardingourpursuitinthelightofahunting-party,hadlookedtoseeitendinlikeeasyfashion.Hisblank,surprisedface,ashestoodeyeingthestoutgreywalls,saidasmuchasthis.

\'Arnidieu!\'Maignanmuttered,\'givemetenmen,andIwouldholditagainstahundred!\'

\'Tut,man,ThereismorethanonewaytoRome!\'Iansweredoracularly,thoughIwasfarfromfeelingasconfidentasI

seemed.\'Come,letusdescendandviewthisnutalittlenearer.\'

Webegantotraildownwardsinsilence,andasthepathletusforawhile,outofsightofthecastle,wewereabletoproceedwithlesscaution.Wehadnearlyreachedwithoutadventurethefatherskirtsofthewood,betweenwhichandtheruinlayanintervalofopenground,whenwecamesuddenly,attheedgeofalittleclearing,onanoldhag;whowassointent;upontyingupfaggotsthatshedidnotseeusuntilMaignan\'shandwasonhershoulder.Whenshedid,shescreamedout,andescapingfromhimwithanactivitywonderfulinawomanofherage,ranwithgreatswiftnesstothesideofanoldmanwholayatthefootofatreehalfabowshotoff;andwhomwehadnotbeforeseen.Snatchingupanaxe,sheputherselfinapostureofdefencebeforehimwithgesturesandinamannerastouchingintheeyesofsomeamongusastheywereludicrousinthoseofothers;whocriedtoMaignanthathehadmethismatchatlast,withothergibesofthekindthatpasscurrentincamps.

Icalledtohimtoletherbe,andwentforwardmyselftotheoldman,wholayonarudebedofleaves,andseemedunabletorise.

Appealingtomewithafaceofagonynottohurthiswife,hebadeheragainandagainlaydownheraxe;butshewouldnotdothisuntilIhadassuredherthatwemeanthimnoharm,andthatmymenshouldmolestneithertheonenortheother.

\'Weonlywanttoknowthis,\'Isaid,speakingslowly,infearlestmylanguageshouldbelittlemoreintelligibletothemthantheirPATOIStome.\'Thereareadozenhorsemenintheoldcastlethere,aretherenot?\'

Themanstilledhiswife,whocontinuedtochatterandmowatus,andansweredeagerlythattherewere;adding,withatremblingoath,thattherobbershadbeatenhim,robbedhimofhissmallstoreofmeal,andwhenhewouldhaveprotested,thrownhimout,breakinghisleg.

\'Thenhowcameyouhere?\'Isaid.

\'Shebroughtmeonherback,\'heansweredfeebly.

Doubtlessthereweremeninmytrainwhowouldhavedoneallthattheseothershaddone;buthearingthesimplestorytold,theystampedandsworegreatoathsofindignation;andone,theroughestoftheparty,tookoutsomeblackbreadandgaveittothewoman,whomunderothercircumstanceshewouldnothavehesitatedtorob.Maignan,whoknewallartsappertainingtowar,examinedtheman\'slegandmadeakindofcradleforit,whileIquestionedthewoman.

\'Theyaretherestill?\'Isaid.\'Isawtheirhorsestetheredunderthewalls.\'

\'Yes,Godrequitethem!\'sheanswered,tremblingviolently.

\'Tellmeaboutthecastle,mygoodwoman,\'Isaid.\'Howmanyroadsintoitarethere?\'

\'Onlyone.\'

\'Throughthenearertower?\'

Shesaidyes,andfindingthatsheunderstoodme,andwaslessdullofintellectthanherwretchedappearanceledmetoexpect,Iputaseriesofquestionstoherwhichitwouldbetedioustodetail.SufficeitthatIlearnedthatitwasimpossibletoenterorleavetheruinexceptthroughthenearertower;thataricketytemporarygatebarredtheentrance,andthatfromthistower,whichwasamereshelloffourwalls,anarrowsquare-

headeddoorwaywithoutadoorledintothecourt,beyondwhichrosethehabitabletoweroftwostories.

\'Doyouknowiftheyintendtostaythere?\'Iasked\'Oh,ay,theybademebringthemfaggotsfortheirfirethismorning,andIshouldhaveahandfulofmyownmealback,\'sheansweredbitterly;andfellthereonintoapassionofimpotentrage,shakingbothherclenchedhandsinthedirectionofthecastle,andscreamingfrenziedmaledictionsinhercrackedandquaveringvoice.

Iponderedawhileoverwhatshehadsaid;likingverylittlethethoughtofthatnarrowsquare-headeddoorwaythroughwhichwemustpassbeforewecouldeffectanything.Andthegate,too,troubledme.Itmightnotbeastrongone,butwehadneitherpowder,norguns,noranysiegeimplements,andcouldnotpulldownstonewallswithournakedhands.ByseizingthehorseswecouldindeedcutoffBruhl\'sretreat;buthemightstillescapeinthenight;andinanycaseourpainswouldonlyincreasethewomen\'shardshipswhileaddingfueltohisrage.Wemusthavesomeotherplan.

Thesunwashighbythistime;theedgeofthewoodscarcelyahundredpacesfromus.ByadvancingafewyardsthroughthetreesIcouldseethehorsesfeedingpeacefullyatthefootofthesunnyslope,andevenfollowwithmyeyesthefainttrackwhichzigzaggedupthehilltotheclosedgate.Nooneappeared——doubtlesstheyweresleepingoffthefatigueofthejourney——

andIdrewnoinspirationthence;butasIturnedtoconsultMaignanmyeyelitonthefaggots,andIsawinaflashthatherewasachanceofputtingintopracticeastratagemasoldasthehills,yeteverfresh,andnotseldomsuccessful.

Itwasnotimeforover-refinement.Myknaveswerebeginningtostrayforwardoutofcuriosity,andatanymomentoneofourhorses,scentingthoseoftheenemy,mightneighandgivethealarm.HastilycallingM.d\'AgenandMaignantome,Ilaidmyplanbeforethem,andsatisfiedmyselfthatithadtheirapproval;thefactthatIhadreservedaspecialpartfortheformerservingtothawthereservewhichhadsucceededtohisoutbreakofthenightbefore.AftersomedebateMaignanpersuadedmethattheoldwomanhadnotsufficientnervetoplaythepartIproposedforher,andnamedFanchette;whobeingcalledintocouncil,didnotbelietheopinionwehadformedofhercourage.Inafewmomentsourpreparationswerecomplete:I

haddonnedtheoldcharcoal-burner\'souterrags,Fanchettehadassumedthoseofthewoman,whileM.d\'Agen,whowasforatimeataloss,andbetrayedlesstasteforthispartoftheplanthanforanyother,endedbyputtingonthejerkinandhoseofthemanwhohadservedusasguide.

WhenallwasreadyIcommendedthetrooptoMaignan\'sdiscretion,charginghimintheeventofanythinghappeningtoustocontinuethemostpersistenteffortsformademoiselle\'srelease,andonnoaccounttoabandonher.Havingreceivedhispromisetothiseffect,andbeingsatisfiedthathewouldkeepit,wetookupeachofusagreatfaggot,whichbeingborneontheheadandshouldersservedtohidethefeaturesveryeffectually;andthusdisguisedweboldlylefttheshelterofthetrees.FanchetteandIwentfirst,totteringinamostnaturalfashionundertheweightofourburdens,whileM.d\'Agenfollowedahundredyardsbehind.IhadgivenMaignanorderstomakeadashforthegatethemomenthesawthelastnamedstarttorun.

Theperfectstillnessofthevalley,theclearnessoftheair,andtheabsenceofanysignoflifeinthecastlebeforeus——

whichmighthavebeenthatoftheSleepingPrincess,sofairy-

likeitlookedagainstthesky——withthesuspenseandexcitementinourownbreasts,whichthesepeculiaritiesseemedtoincreaseahundred-fold,madethetimethatfollowedoneofthestrangestinmyexperience.Itwasnearlyteno\'clock,andthewarmsunshinefloodingeverythingaboutusrenderedtheascent,ladenaswewere,laboriousintheextreme.Thecrisp,shortturf,whichhadscarcelygotitsspringgrowth,wasslipperyandtreacherous.Wedarednothasten,forweknewnotwhateyeswereuponus,andwedaredaslittleafterwehadgonehalf-way——layourfaggotsdown,lesttheactionshoulddisclosetoomuchofourfeatures.

Whenwehadreachedapointwithinahundredpacesofthegate,whichstillremainedobstinatelyclosed,westoodtobreatheourselves,andbalancingmybundleonmyhead,Iturnedtomakesurethatallwasrightbehindus.IfoundthatM.d\'Agen,intentonkeepinghisdistance,hadchosenthesamemomentforrest,andwassittinginaverynaturalmanneronhisfaggot,moppinghisfacewiththesleeveofhisjerkin.Iscannedthebrownleaflesswood,inwhichwehadleftMaignanandourmen;

butIcoulddetectnoglitteramongthetreesnoranyappearancelikelytobetrayus.Satisfiedonthesepoints,ImutteredafewwordsofencouragementtoFanchette,whosefacewasstreamingwithperspiration;andtogetherweturnedandaddressedourselvestoourtask,fatigue——forwehadhadnopracticeincarryingburdensonthehead——enablingustocounterfeitthedecrepitudeofagealmosttothelife.

Thesamesilenceprevailingaswedrewnearerinspiredmewithnotafewdoubtsandmisgivings.Eventhebleatofasheepwouldhavebeenwelcomeinthemidstofastillnesswhichseemedominous.Butnosheepbleated,novoicehailedus.Thegate,ill-hungandfulloffissures,remainedclosed.Stepbystepwestaggereduptoit,andatlengthreachedit.Afraidtospeaklestmyaccentshouldbetrayme,Istrucktheforepartofmyfaggotagainstitandwaited:doubtingwhetherourwholestratagemhadnotbeenperceivedfromthebeginning,andapistol-shotmightnotbetheretort.

Nothingofthekindhappened,however.Thesoundoftheblow,whichechoeddullythroughthebuilding,diedaway,andtheoldsilenceresumeditssway.Weknockedagain,butfullytwominuteselapsedbeforeagrumblingvoice,asofamanarousedfromsleep,washearddrawingnear,andfootstepscameslowlyandheavilytothegate.Probablythefellowinspectedusthroughaloophole,forhepausedamoment,andmyheartsank;butthenext,seeingnothingsuspicious,heunbarredthegatewithaquerulousoath,and,pushingitopen,badeusenterandbequickaboutit.

Istumbledforwardintothecool,darkshadow,andthewomanfollowedme,whiletheman,steppingoutwithayawn,stoodintheentrance,stretchinghimselfinthesunshine.Therooflesstower,whichsmelleddankandunwholesome,wasempty,orcumberedonlywithrubbishandheapsofstones;butlookingthroughtheinnerdoorIsawinthecourtyardasmoulderingfireandhalfadozenmenintheactofrousingthemselvesfromsleep.Istoodasecondbalancingmyfaggot,asifindoubtwheretolayitdown;

andthenassuringmyselfbyaswiftglancethatthemanwhohadletusinstillhadhisbacktowardsus,Idroppeditacrosstheinnerdoorway,Fanchette,asshehadbeeninstructed,plumpedhersuponit,andatthesamemomentIsprangtothedoor,andtakingthemantherebysurprise,dealthimaviolentblowbetweentheshoulders,whichsenthimheadlongdowntheslope.

Acrybehindme,followedbyanoathofalarm,toldmethattheactionwasobservedandthatnowwasthepinch.InasecondI

wasbackatthefaggots,anddrawingapistolfromundermyblousewasintimetomeettherushofthenearestman,who,comprehendingall,sprangup,andmadeforme,withhissheathedsword.Ishothiminthechestasheclearedthefaggots——which,standingnearlyashighasaman\'swaist,formedatolerableobstacle——andhepitchedforwardatmyfeet.

Thisbalkedhiscompanions,whodrewback;butunfortunatelyitwasnecessaryformetostooptogetmysword,whichwashiddeninthefaggotIhadcarried.Theforemostoftherascalstookadvantageofthis.Rushingatmewithalongknife,hefailedtostabme——forIcaughthiswrist——buthesucceededinbringingmetotheground.IthoughtIwasundone.Ilookedtohavetheothersswarmoveruponus;andsoitwoulddoubtlesshavehappenedhadnotFanchette,withrarecourage,dealtthefirstwhofollowedalustyblowonthebodywithagreatstickshesnatchedup.Themancollapsedonthefaggots,andthishamperedtherest.Thecheckwasenough.ItenabledM.d\'Agentocomeup,who,dashinginthroughthegate,shotdownthefirsthesawbeforehim,andrunningatthedoorwaywithhisswordwithincrediblefuryandthecouragewhichIhadalwaysknownhimtopossess,cleareditinatwinkling.ThemanwithwhomIwasengagedontheground,seeingwhathadhappened,wrestedhimselffreewiththestrengthofdespair,anddashingthroughtheouterdoor,narrowlyescapedbeingriddendownbymyfollowersastheysweptuptothegateatagallop,anddismountedamidawhirlwindofcries.

Inamomenttheythrongedinonuspell-mell,andassoonasI

couldlaymyhandonmyswordIledthemthroughthedoorwaywithacheer,hopingtobeabletoenterthefarthertowerwiththeenemy.Butthelatterhadtakenthealarmtooearlyandtoothoroughly.Thecourtwasempty.Wewerebarelyintimetoseethelastmandartupaflightofoutsidestairs,whichledtothefirststory,anddisappear,closingaheavydoorbehindhim.I

rushedtothefootofthestepsandwouldhaveascendedalso,hopingagainsthopetofindthedoorunsecured;butashotwhichwasfiredthroughaloopholeandnarrowlymissedmyhead,andanotherwhichbroughtdownoneofmymen,mademepause.

DiscerningalltheadvantagetobeonBruhl\'sside,sincehecouldshootusdownfromhiscover,Icriedaretreat;theissueofthematterleavingusmastersoftheentrance-tower,whiletheyretainedtheinnerandstrongertower,thenarrowcourtbetweenthetwobeingneutralgroundunsafeforeitherparty.

Twooftheirmenhadfledoutwardsandweregone,andtwolaydead;whilethelossonoursidewasconfinedtothemanwhowasshot,andFanchette,whohadreceivedablowontheheadintheMELEE,andwasfound,whenweretreated,lyingsickanddazedagainstthewall.

Itsurprisedmemuch,whenIcametothinkuponit,thatIhadseennothingofBruhl,thoughtheskirmishhadlastedtwoorthreeminutesfromthefirstoutcry,andbeenattendedbyanabundanceofnoise.OfFresnoy,too,InowrememberedthatIhadcaughtaglimpseonly.ThesetwofactsseemedsostrangethatI

wasbeginningtoaugurtheworst,thoughIscarcelyknowwhy,whenmyspiritsweremarvellouslyraisedandmyfearsrelievedbyathingwhichMaignan,whowasthefirsttonoticeit,pointedouttome.Thiswastheappearanceatanupperwindowofawhite\'kerchief,whichwaswavedseveraltimestowardsus.Thewindowwaslittlemorethananarrow-slit,andsonarrowandhighbesidesthatitwasimpossibletoseewhogavethesignal;butmyexperienceofmademoiselle\'scoolnessandresourceleftmeinnodoubtonthepoint.WithhighhopesandalighterheartthanI

hadwornforsometimeIbestirredmyselftotakeeveryprecaution,andbeganbybiddingMaignanselecttwomenandrideroundthehill,tomakesurethattheenemyhadnowayofretreatopentohim.

CHAPTERXXIX.

PESTILENCEANDFAMINE.

WhileMaignanwasawayaboutthisbusinessIdespatchedtwomentocatchourhorses,whichwererunninglooseinthevalley,andtoremovethoseofBruhl\'spartytoasafedistancefromthecastle.Ialsoblockedupthelowerpartofthedoorleadingintothecourtyard,andnamedfourmentoremainunderarmsbesideit,thatwemightnotbetakenbysurprise;aneventofwhichIhadthelessfear,however,sincetheenemywerenowreducedtoeightswords,andcouldonlyescape,aswecouldonlyenter,throughthisdoorway.IwasstillbusiedwiththesearrangementswhenM.d\'Agenjoinedme,andIbrokeofftocomplimenthimonhiscourage,acknowledginginparticulartheservicehehaddonemepersonally.Theheatoftheconflicthadmeltedtheyoungman\'sreserve,andflushedhisfacewithpride;

butashelistenedtomehegraduallyfrozeagain,andwhenI

endedheregardedmewiththesamecoldhostility.

\'Iamobligedtoyou,\'hesaid,bowing.\'ButmayIaskwhatnext,M.deMarsac?\'

\'Wehavenochoice,\'Ianswered.\'Wecanonlystarvethemout.\'

\'Buttheladies?\'hesaid,startingslightly.\'Whatofthem?\'

\'Theywillsufferlessthanthemen,\'Ireplied.\'Trustme,thelatterwillnotbearstarvinglong.\'

Heseemedsurprised,butIexplainedthatwithoursmallnumberswecouldnothopetostormthetower,andmightthinkourselvesfortunatethatwenowhadtheenemycoopedupwherehecouldnotescape,andmusteventuallysurrender.

\'Ay,butinthemeantimehowwillyouensurethewomenagainstviolence?\'heasked,withanairwhichshowedhewasfarfromsatisfied.

\'IwillseetothatwhenMaignancomesback,\'Iansweredprettyconfidently.

Theequerryappearedinamomentwiththeassurancethategressfromthefarthersideofthetowerwasimpossible.Ibadehimneverthelesskeepahorsemanmovingroundthehill,thatwemighthaveintelligenceofanyattempt.Theorderwasscarcelygivenwhenaman——oneofthoseIhadleftonguardatthedoorofthecourtyard——cametotellmethatFresnoydesiredtospeakwithmeonbehalfofM.deBruhl.

\'Whereishe?\'Iasked.

\'Attheinnerdoorwithaflagoftruce,\'wastheanswer.

\'Tellhim,then,\'Isaid,withoutofferingtomove,\'thatIwillcommunicatewithnooneexcepthisleader,M.deBruhl.Andaddthis,myfriend,\'Icontinued.\'Sayitaloudthatiftheladieswhomhehasinchargeareinjuredbysomuchasahair,Iwillhangeverymanwithinthesewalls,fromM.deBruhltotheyoungestlackey.\'AndIaddedasolemnoathtothateffect.

Themannodded,andwentonhiserrand,whileIandM.d\'Agen,withMaignan,remainedstandingoutsidethegate,lookingidlyoverthevalleyandthebrownwoodsthroughwhichwehadriddenintheearlymorning.Myeyesrestedchieflyonthelatter,Maignan\'sasitprovedontheformer.Doubtlessweallhadourownthoughts.CertainlyIhad,andforawhile,inmysatisfactionattheresultoftheattackandthemannerinwhichwehadBruhlconfined,Ididnotremarkthegravitywhichwasgraduallyoverspreadingtheequerry\'scountenance.WhenIdidI

tookthealarm,andaskedhimsharplywhatwasthematter.\'I

don\'tlikethat,yourExcellency,\'heanswered,pointingintothevalley.

Ilookedanxiously,andlooked,andsawnothing.

\'What?\'Isaidinastonishment.

\'Thebluemist,\'hemuttered,withashiver.\'Ihavebeenwatchingitthishalf-hour,yourExcellency.Itisrisingfast.\'

Icriedoutonhimforamaudlinfool,andM.d\'Agensworeimpatiently;butforallthat,anddespitethecontemptIstrovetoexhibit,IfeltasuddenchillatmyheartasIrecognisedinthevalleybelowthesamebluehazewhichhadattendedusthroughyesterday\'sride,andleftusonlyatnightfall.Involuntarilywebothfelltowatchingitasitroseslowlyandmoreslowly,firstenvelopingthelowerwoods,andthenspreadingitselfabroadinthesunshine.Itishardtowitnessaboldman\'sterrorandremainunaffectedbyit;andIconfessItrembled.

Here,inthemomentofourseemingsuccess,wassomethingwhichI

hadnottakenintoaccount,somethingagainstwhichIcouldnotguardeithermyselforothers!

\'See!\'Maignanwhisperedhoarsely,pointingagainwithhislinger.\'ItistheAngelofDeath,yourExcellency!Wherehekillsbyonesandtwos,heisinvisible.Butwhenheslaysbyhundredsandbythousands,menseetheshadowofhiswings!\'

\'Chut,fool!\'Iretortedwith,anger,whichwassecretlyproportionedtotheimpressionhisweirdsayingmadeonme.\'Youhavebeeninbattles!Didyoueverseehimthere?oratasack?

Atrucetothisfolly,\'Icontinued.\'Anddoyougoandinquirewhatfoodwehavewithus.Itmaybenecessarytosendforsome.\'

Iwatchedhimgodoggedlyoff,andknowingthestoutnatureofthemanandhisdevotiontohismaster,Ihadnofearthathewouldfailus;buttherewereothers,almostasnecessarytous,inwhomIcouldnotplacethesameconfidence.Andthesehadalsotakenthealarm.WhenIturnedIfoundgroupsofpale-facedmen,standingbytwosandthreesatmyback;who,pointingandmutteringandtellingoneanotherwhatMaignanhadtoldus,lookedwherewehadlooked.Asonespokeandanotherlistened,I

sawtheoldpanicreviveintheireyes.Menwhoanhourortwobeforehadcrossedthecourtunderfirewiththeutmostresolution,anddaredinstantdeathwithoutathought,grewpale,andlookingfromthissideofthevalleytothat;withfalteringeyes,seemedtobeseeking,likehuntedanimals,aplaceofrefuge.Fear,oncearoused,hungistheair.Mentalkedinwhispersoftheabnormalheat,and,gazingatthecloudlesssky,fledfromthesunshinetotheshadow;or,lookingovertheexpanseofwoods,longedtobeundercoverandawayfromthisloftyeyrie,whichtotheirmorbideyesseemedatargetforalltheshaftsofdeath.

\'Iwasnotslowtoperceivetheperilwithwhichthesefearsandapprehensions,whichrapidlybecamegeneral,threatenedmyplans.

Istrovetokeepthemenemployed,andtooccupytheirthoughtsasfaraspossiblewiththeenemyandhisproceedings;butIsoonfoundthatevenhereadangerlurked;forMaignan,comingtomeby-and-bywithagraveface,toldmethatoneofBruhl\'smenhadventuredout,andwasparleyingwiththeguardonoursideofthecourt.Iwentatonceandbrokethematteroff,threateningtoshootthefellowifhewasnotundercoverbeforeIcountedten.

Butthescared,sultryfacesheleftbehindhimtoldmethatthemischiefwasdone,andIcouldthinkofnobetterremedyforitthantogiveM.d\'Agenahint,andstationhimattheoutergatewithhispistolsready.

Thequestionofprovisions,too,threatenedtobecomeaseriousone;Idarednotleavetoprocurethemmyself,norcouldItrustanyofmymenwiththemission.Infactthebesiegerswererapidlybecomingthebesieged.Intentontherisinghazeandtheirownterrors,theyforgotallelse.Vigilanceandcautionwerethrowntothewinds.Thestillnessofthevalley,itsisolation,thedistantwoodsthatencircledusandhungquiveringintheheatedair,alladdedtothepanic.Despiteallmyeffortsandthreats,themengraduallylefttheirposts,andgettingtogetherinlittlepartiesatthegate,workedthemselvesuptosuchapitchofdreadthatbytwohoursafternoontheywerefitforanyfolly;andatthemerecryof\'plague!\'wouldhaverushedtotheirhorsesandriddenineverydirection.

ItwasplainthatIcoulddependforusefulserviceonmyselfandthreeothersonly——ofwhom,tohiscreditbeitsaid,SimonFleixwasone.Seeingthis,IwasimmenselyrelievedwhenIpresentlyheardthatFresnoywasagainseekingtospeakwithme.Iwasnolonger,itwillbebelieved,forstandingonformalities;butgladtowaiveinsilencethepunctilioonwhichIhadbeforeinsisted,andanxioustoaffordhimnoopportunityofmarkingtheslacknesswhichprevailedamongmymen,IhastenedtomeethimatthedoorofthecourtyardwhereMaignanhaddetainedhim.

Imighthavesparedmypains,however.IhadnomorethansalutedhimandexchangedthemerestpreliminariesbeforeIsawthathewasinastateofpanicfarexceedingthatofmyfollowing.Hiscoarseface,whichhadneverbeenprepossessing,wasmottledandbedabbledwithsweat;hisbloodshoteyes,whentheymetmine,worethefierceyetterrifiedexpressionofananimalcaughtinatrap.Thoughhisfirstwordwasanoath,swornforthepurposeofraisinghiscourage,thebully\'sblusterwasgone.Hespokeinalowvoice,andhishandsshook;andforapenny-pieceIsawhewouldhaveboltedpastmeandtakenhischanceinopenflight.

Ijudgedfromhisfirstwords,uttered,asIhavesaid,withanoath,thathewasawareofhisstate.\'M.deMarsac,\'hesaid,whininglikeacur,\'youknowme,tobeamanofcourage.\'

Ineedednothingafterthistoassuremethathemeditatedsomethingofthebasest;andItookcarehowIansweredhim.\'I

haveknownyoustiffenoughuponoccasions,\'Ireplieddrily.

\'Andthen,again,Ihaveknownyounotsostiff,M.Fresnoy.\'

\'Onlywhenyouwereinquestion,\'hemutteredwithanotheroath.

\'Butfleshandbloodcannotstandthis.Youcouldnotyourself.

BetweenhimandthemIamfairlywornout.Givemegoodterms——

goodterms,youunderstand,M.deMarsac?\'hewhisperedeagerly,sinkinghisvoicestilllower,\'andyoushallhaveallyouwant.\'

\'Yourlives,andlibertytogowhereyouplease,\'Iansweredcoldly.\'Thetwoladiestobefirstgivenuptomeuninjured.

Thosearetheterms.\'

\'Butforme?\'hesaidanxiously.

\'Foryou?Thesameastheothers,\'Iretorted.\'OrIwillmakeadistinctionforoldacquaintancesake,M.Fresnoy;andiftheladieshaveaughttocomplainof,Iwillhangyoufirst.\'

Hetriedtoblusterandholdoutforasumofmoney,oratleastforhishorsetobegivenuptohim.ButIhadmadeupmymindtorewardmyfollowerswithapresentofahorseapiece;andI

wasbesideswellawarethatthiswasonlyanafterthoughtonhispart,andthathehadfullydecidedtoyield.Istoodfast,therefore.Theresultjustifiedmyfirmness,forhepresentlyagreedtosurrenderonthoseterms.

\'Ay,butM.deBruhl?\'Isaid,desiringtolearnclearlywhetherhehadauthoritytotreatforall.\'Whatofhim?\'

Helookedatmeimpatiently.\'Comeandsee!\'hesaid,withanuglysneer.

\'No,no,myfriend,\'Ianswered,shakingmyheadwarily.\'Thatisnotaccordingtorule.Youarethesurrenderingparty,anditisforyoutotrustus.Bringouttheladies,thatImayhavespeechwiththem,andthenIwilldrawoffmymen.\'

\'NomdeDieu!\'hecriedhoarsely,withsomuchfearandrageinhisfacethatIrecoiledfromhim.\'ThatisjustwhatIcannotdo.\'

\'Youcannot?\'Irejoinedwithasuddenthrillofhorror.\'Whynot?whynot,man?\'Andintheexcitementofthemoment,conceivingtheideathattheworsthadhappenedtothewomen,I

pushedhimbackwithsomuchfurythathelaidhishandonhissword.

\'Confoundyou!\'hestuttered,\'standback!Itisnotthat,I

tellyou!Mademoiselleissafeandsound,andmadame,ifshehadhersenses,wouldbesoundtoo.Itisnotourfaultifsheisnot.ButIhavenotgotthekeyoftherooms.ItisinBruhl\'spocket,Itellyou!\'

\'Oh!\'Imadeanswerdrily.\'AndBruhl?\'

\'Hush,man,\'Fresnoyreplied,wipingtheperspirationfromhisbrow,andbringinghispallid,uglyface,neartomine,\'hehasgottheplague!\'

Istaredathimforamomentinsilence;whichhewasthefirsttobreak.\'Hush!\'hemutteredagain,layingatremblinghandonmyarm,\'ifthemenknewit——andnotseeinghimtheyarebeginningtosuspectit——theywouldriseonus.Thedevilhimselfcouldnotkeepthemhere.BetweenhimandthemIamonarazor\'sedge.

Madameiswithhim,andthedoorislocked.Mademoiselleisinaroomupstairs,andthedoorislocked.Andhehasthekeys.

WhatcanIdo?WhatcanIdo,man?\'hecried,hisvoicehoarsewithterroranddismay.

\'Getthekeys,\'Isaidinstinctively.

\'What?\'Fromhim?\'hemuttered,withanirrepressibleshudder,whichshookhisbloatedcheeks.\'GodforbidIshouldseehim!

Ittakesstoutmeninfallibly.Ishouldbedeadbynight!ByGod,Ishould!\'hecontinued,whining.\'Nowyouarenotstout,M.deMarsac.IfyouwillcomewithmeIwilldrawoffthemenfromthatpart;andyoumaygoinandgetthekeyfromhim.\'

Histerror,whichsurpassedallfeeling,andsatisfiedmewithoutdoubtthathewasinearnest,wassointensethatitcouldnotfailtoinfectme.Ifeltmyface,asIlookedintohis,growtothesamehue.Itrembledashedidandgrewsick.Forifthereisawordwhichblanchesthesoldier\'scheekandtrieshisheartmorethananother,itisthenameofthediseasewhichtravelsinthehotnoonday,and,taintingthestrongestasheridesinhispride,leaveshiminafewhoursapoormassofcorruption.Thestoutestandthemostrecklessfearit;norcouldI,morethananother,boastmyselfindifferenttoit,orthinkofitspresencewithoutshrinking.Buttherespectinwhichamanofbirthholdshimselfsaveshimfromtheunreasoningfearwhichmastersthevulgar;andinamomentIrecoveredmyself,andmadeupmymindwhatitbehovedmetodo.

\'Waitawhile,\'Isaidsternly,\'andIwillcomewithyou.\'

Hewaitedaccordingly,thoughwithmanifestimpatience,whileI

sentforM.d\'Agen,andcommunicatedtohimwhatIwasabouttodo.Ididnotthinkitnecessarytoenterintodetails,ortomentionBruhl\'sstate,forsomeofthemenwerewellinhearing.

Iobservedthattheyounggentlemanreceivedmydirectionswithagloomyanddissatisfiedair.ButIhadbecomebythistimesousedtohismoods,andfoundmyselfsomuchmistakeninhischaracter,thatIscarcelygavethematterasecondthought.I

crossedthecourtwithFresnoy,andinamomenthadmountedtheoutsidestaircaseandpassedthroughtheheavydoorway.

ThemomentIentered,IwasforcedtodoFresnoythejusticeofadmittingthathehadnotcometomebeforehewasobliged.Thethreemenwhowereonguardinsidetosseddowntheirweaponsatsightofme,whileafourth,whowaspostedataneighbouringwindow,hailedmewithacryofrelief.FromthemomentI

crossedthethresholdthedefencewaspracticallyatanend.I

might,hadIchosenorfounditconsistentwithhonour,havecalledinmyfollowingandsecuredtheentrance.Withoutpausing,however,Ipassedontothefootofagloomystonestaircasewindingupbetweenwallsofroughmasonry;andhereFresnoystoodononesideandstopped.Hepointedupwardswithapalefaceandmuttered,\'Thedoorontheleft.\'

LeavinghimtherewatchingmeasIwentupwards,Imountedslowlytothelanding,andbythelightofanarrow-slitwhichdimlylittheruinousplacefoundthedoorhehaddescribed,andtrieditwithmyhand.Itwaslocked,butIheardsomeonemoanintheroom,andastepcrossedthefloor,asifheoranothercametothedoorandlistened.Iknocked,hearingmyheartbeatinthesilence.Atlastavoicequitestrangetomecried,\'Whoisit?\'

\'Afriend,\'Imuttered,strivingtodullmyvoicethattheymightnothearmebelow.

\'Afriend!\'thebitteranswercame.\'Go!Youhavemadeamistake!Wehavenofriends.\'

\'ItisI,M.deMarsac,\'Irejoined,knockingmoreimperatively.

\'IwouldseeM.deBruhl.Imustseehim.\'

Thepersoninside,atwhoseidentityIcouldnowmakeaguess,utteredalowexclamation,andstillseemedtohesitate.ButonmyrepeatingmydemandIheardarustyboltwithdrawn,andMadamedeBruhl,openingthedoorafewinches,showedherfaceinthegap.\'Whatdoyouwant?\'shemurmuredjealously.

PreparedasIwastoseeher,Iwasshockedbythechangeinherappearance,achangewhicheventhatimperfectlightfailedtohide.Herblueeyeshadgrownlargerandharder,andthereweredarkmarksunderthem.Herface,oncesobrilliant,wasgreyandpinched;herhairhadlostitsgoldenlustre.\'Whatdoyouwant?\'sherepeated,eyeingmefiercely.

\'Toseehim,\'Ianswered.

\'Youknow?\'shemuttered.\'Youknowthathe——\'

Inodded.

Andyoustillwanttocomein?MyGod!Swearyouwillnothurthim?\'

\'Heavenforbid!\'Isaid;andonthatsheheldthedooropenthatImightenter.ButIwasnothalf-wayacrosstheroombeforeshehadpassedme,andwasagainbetweenmeandthewretchedmakeshiftpallet.Nay,whenIstoodandlookeddownathim,ashemoanedandrolledinsenselessagony,withlividfaceanddistortedfeatures(whichthecoldgreylightofthatmiserableroomrendereddoublyappalling),shehungoverhimandfencedhimfromme:sothatlookingonhimandher,andrememberinghowhehadtreatedher,andwhyhecametobeinthisplace,Ifeltunmanlytearsrisetomyeyes.Theroomwasstillaprison,aprisonwithbrokenmortarcoveringthefloorandloopholesforwindows;butthecaptivewasheldbyotherchainsthanthoseofforce.Whenshemighthavegonefree,herwoman\'slovesurvivingallthathehaddonetokillit,chainedhertohissidewithfetterswhicholdwrongsandpresentdangerwerepowerlesstobreak.