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,thoughitcameasneartothatfeelingasthedifferenceinouragesandpersonaladvantageswhereofthebalancewasallonhisside
　　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,withlividfaceanddistortedfeatureswhichthecoldgreylightofthatmiserableroomrendereddoublyappalling,shehungoverhimandfencedhimfromme:sothatlookingonhimandher,andrememberinghowhehadtreatedher,andwhyhecametobeinthisplace,Ifeltunmanlytearsrisetomyeyes.Theroomwasstillaprison,aprisonwithbrokenmortarcoveringthefloorandloopholesforwindows;butthecaptivewasheldbyotherchainsthanthoseofforce.Whenshemighthavegonefree,herwoman'slovesurvivingallthathehaddonetokillit,chainedhertohissidewithfetterswhicholdwrongsandpresentdangerwerepowerlesstobreak.