CHAPTERXLVI
　　OTHERSINTHEPARK
　　Chauvelinandhispickedescorthadinthemeanwhiledetachedthemselvesfromthemainbodyofthesquad。Soonthedullthudoftheirhorses'hoofstreadingthesoftgroundcamemoresoftly——
　　thenmoresoftlystillastheyturnedintothewood，andthepurpleshadowsseemedtoenfoldeverysoundandfinallytoswallowthemcompletely。
　　ArmandandMargueritefromthedepthofthecarriageheardHeron'svoiceorderinghisowndrivernowtotakethelead。Theysatquitestillandwatched，andpresentlytheothercoachpassedthemslowlyontheroad，itssilhouettestandingoutghostlyandgrimforamomentagainsttheindigotonesofthedistantcountry。
　　Heron'shead，withitsbatteredsugar-loafhat，andthesoiledbandageroundthebrow，wasasusualoutofthecarriagewindow。
　　HeleeredacrossatMargueritewhenhesawtheoutlineofherfaceframedbythewindowofthecarriage。
　　“Sayalltheprayersyouhaveeverknown，citizeness，“hesaidwithaloudlaugh，“thatmyfriendChauvelinmayfindCapetatthechateau，orelseyoumaytakealastlookattheopencountry，foryouwillnotseethesunriseonitto-morrow。Itisoneortheother，youknow。“
　　Shetriednottolookathim；theverysightofhimfilledherwithhorror——thatblotched，gauntfaceofhis，thefleshylips，thathideousbandageacrosshisfacethathidoneofhiseyes！
　　Shetriednottoseehimandnottohearhimlaugh。
　　Obviouslyhetoolabouredunderthestressofgreatexcitement。
　　Sofareverythinghadgonewell；theprisonerhadmadenoattemptatescape，andapparentlydidnotmeantoplayadoublegame。Butthecrucialhourhadcome，andwithitdarknessandthemysteriousdepthsoftheforestwiththeirweirdsoundsandsuddenflashesofghostlylights。TheynaturallywroughtonthenervesofmenlikeHeron，whoseconsciencemighthavebeendormant，butwhoseearswereneverthelessfilledwiththecriesofinnocentvictimssacrificedtotheirownlustfulambitionsandtheirblind，unreasoninghates。
　　Hegavesharporderstothementoclosetiproundthecarriages，andthengavethecurtwordofcommand：
　　“Enavant！”
　　Margueritecouldbutstrainherearstolisten。Allhersenses，allherfacultieshadmergedintothatofhearing，renderingitdoublykeen。Itseemedtoherthatshecoulddistinguishthefaintsound——thatevenasshelistenedgrewfainterandfainteryet——ofChauvelinandhissquadmovingawayrapidlyintothethicknessofthewoodsomedistancealreadyahead。
　　Closetohertherewasthesnortingofhorses，theclangingandnoiseofmovingmountedmen。Heron'scoachhadtakenthelead；
　　shecouldhearthecreakingofitswheels，thecallsofthedriverurginghisbeasts。
　　Thediminishedpartywasmovingatfoot-paceinthedarknessthatseemedtogrowdenserateverystep，andthroughthatsilencewhichwassofullofmysterioussounds。
　　Thecarriagerolledandrockedonitssprings；Marguerite，giddyandovertired，laybackwithclosedeyes，herhandrestinginthatofArmand。Time，spaceanddistancehadceasedtobe；onlyDeath，thegreatLordofall，hadremained；hewalkedonahead，scytheonskeletonshoulder，andbeckonedpatiently，butwithasure，grimhand。
　　Therewasanotherhalt，thecoach-wheelsgroanedandcreakedontheiraxles，oneortwohorsesrearedwiththesuddendrawingupofthecurb。
　　“Whatisitnow？”cameHeron'shoarsevoicethroughthedarkness。
　　“Itispitch-dark，citizen，“wastheresponsefromahead。Thedriverscannotseetheirhorses'ears。Theywaittoknowiftheymaylighttheirlanthornsandthenleadtheirhorses。“
　　“Theycanleadtheirhorses，“repliedHeronroughly，“butI'llhavenolanthornslighted。Wedon'tknowwhatfoolsmaybelurkingbehindtrees，hopingtoputabulletthroughmyhead——oryours，sergeant——wedon'twanttomakealightedtargetofourselves——what？Butletthedriversleadtheirhorses，andoneortwoofyouwhoareridinggreysmightdismounttooandleadtheway——thegreyswouldshowupperhapsinthiscursedblackness。“
　　Whilehisorderswerebeingcarriedout，hecalledoutoncemore：
　　“Arewefarnowfromthatconfoundedchapel？”
　　“Wecan'tbefar，citizen；thewholeforestisnotmorethansixleagueswideatanypoint，andwehavegonetwosinceweturnedintoit。“
　　“Hush！”Heron'svoicesuddenlybrokeinhoarsely。Whatwasthat？
　　Silence，Isay。Damnyou——can'tyouhear？”
　　Therewasahush——everyearstrainingtolisten；butthehorseswerenotstill——theycontinuedtochamptheirbits，topawtheground，andtotosstheirheads，impatienttogeton。Onlynowandagaintherewouldcomealulleventhroughthesesounds——asecondortwo，mayhap，ofperfect，unbrokensilence——andthenitseemedasifrightthroughthedarknessamysteriousechosentbackthosesamesounds——thechampingofbits，thepawingofsoftground，thetossingandsnortingofanimals，humanlifethatbreathedfaroutthereamongthetrees。
　　“ItiscitizenChauvelinandhismen，“saidthesergeantafterawhile，andspeakinginawhisper。
　　“Silence——Iwanttohear，“camethecurt，hoarsely-whisperedcommand。
　　Oncemoreeveryonelistened，themenhardlydaringtobreathe，clingingtotheirbridlesandpullingontheirhorses'mouths，tryingtokeepthemstill，andagainthroughthenighttherecamelikeafaintechowhichseemedtothrowbackthosesoundsthatindicatedthepresenceofmenandofhorsesnotveryfaraway。
　　“Yes，itmustbecitizenChauvelin，“saidHeronatlast；butthetoneofhisvoicesoundedasifhewereanxiousandonlyhalfconvinced；“butIthoughthewouldbeatthechateaubynow。“
　　“Hemayhavehadtogoatfoot-pace；itisverydark，citizenHeron，“remarkedthesergeant。
　　“Enavant，then，“quoththeother；“thesoonerwecometipwithhimthebetter。“
　　Andthesquadofmountedmen，thetwocoaches，thedriversandtheadvancesectionwhowereleadingtheirhorsesslowlyrestartedontheway。Thehorsessnorted，thebitsandstirrupsclanged，andthespringsandwheelsofthecoachescreakedandgroaneddismallyastheramshacklevehiclesbeganoncemoretoploughthecarpetofpine-needlesthatlaythickupontheroad。
　　ButinsidethecarriageArmandandMargueriteheldoneanothertightlybythehand。
　　“ItisdeBatz——withhisfriends，“shewhisperedscarceaboveherbreath。
　　“DeBatz？”heaskedvaguelyandfearfully，forinthedarkhecouldnotseeherface，andashedidnotunderstandwhysheshouldsuddenlybetalkingofdeBatzhethoughtwithhorrorthatmayhapherprophecyanentherselfhadcometrue，andthathermindweariedandover-wrought——hadbecomesuddenlyunhinged。
　　“Yes，deBatz，“shereplied。“Percysenthimamessage，throughme，tomeethim——here。Iamnotmad，Armand，“sheaddedmorecalmly。“SirAndrewtookPercy'slettertodeBatzthedaythatwestartedfromParis。“
　　“GreatGod！”exclaimedArmand，andinstinctively，withasenseofprotection，heputhisarmsroundhissister。“Then，ifChauvelinorthesquadisattacked——if——“
　　“Yes，“shesaidcalmly；“ifdeBatzmakesanattackonChauvelin，orifhereachesthechateaufirstandtriestodefendit，theywillshootus……Armand，andPercy。“
　　“ButistheDauphinattheChateaud'Ourde？”
　　“No，no！Ithinknot。“
　　“ThenwhyshouldPercyhaveinvokedtheaidofdeBatz？Now，when——“
　　“Idon'tknow，“shemurmuredhelplessly。“Ofcourse，whenhewrotetheletterhecouldnotguessthattheywouldholdusashostages。Hemayhavethoughtthatundercoverofdarknessandofanunexpectedattackhemighthavesavedhimselfhadhebeenalone；butnow——nowthatyouandIarehere——Oh！itisallsohorrible，andIcannotunderstanditall。“
　　“Hark！”brokeinArmand，suddenlygrippingherarmmoretightly。
　　“Halt！”rangthesergeant'svoicethroughthenight。
　　Thistimetherewasnomistakingthesound；alreadyitcamefromnofardistance。Itwasthesoundofamanrunningandpanting，andnowandagaincallingoutasheran。
　　Foramomenttherewasstillnessintheveryair，thewinditselfwashushedbetweentwogusts，eventherainhadceaseditsincessantpattering。Heron'sharshvoicewasraisedinthestillness。
　　“Whatisitnow？”hedemanded。
　　“Arunner，citizen，“repliedthesergeant，“comingthroughthewoodfromtheright。“
　　“Fromtheright？”andtheexclamationwasaccompaniedbyavolleyofoaths；“thedirectionofthechateau？Chauvelinhasbeenattacked；heissendingamessengerbacktome。Sergeant——sergeant，closeuproundthatcoach；guardyourprisonersasyouvalueyourlife，and——“
　　Therestofhiswordsweredrownedinayellofsuchviolentfurythatthehorses，alreadyover-nervousandfidgety，rearedinmadterror，andthemenhadthegreatestdifficultyinholdingthemin。Forafewminutesnoisyconfusionprevailed，untilthemencouldquietentheirquiveringanimalswithsoftwordsandgentlepattings。
　　Thenthetroopersobeyed，closinguproundthecoachwhereinbrotherandsistersathuddledagainstoneanother。
　　Oneofthemensaidunderhisbreath：
　　“Ah！butthecitizenagentknowshowtocurse！Onedayhewillbreakhisgulletwiththefuryofhisoaths。“
　　Inthemeanwhiletherunnerhadcomenearer，alwaysatthesamebreathlessspeed。
　　Thenextmomenthewaschallenged：
　　“Quivala？”
　　“Afriend！”hereplied，pantingandexhausted。“WhereiscitizenHeron？”
　　“Here！”camethereplyinavoicehoarsewithpassionateexcitement。
　　“Comeup，damnyou。Bequick！”
　　“Alanthorn，citizen，“suggestedoneofthedrivers。
　　“No——no——notnow。Here！Wherethedevilarewe？”
　　“Weareclosetothechapelonourleft，citizen，“saidthesergeant。
　　Therunner，whoseeyeswerenodoubtaccustomedtothegloom，haddrawnnearertothecarriage。
　　“Thegatesofthechateau，“hesaid，stillsomewhatbreathlessly，“arejustoppositehereontheright，citizen。Ihavejustcomethroughthem。“
　　“Speakup，man！”andHeron'svoicenowsoundedasifchokedwithpassion。“CitizenChauvelinsentyou？”
　　“Yes。Hebademetellyouthathehasgainedaccesstothechateau，andthatCapetisnotthere。“
　　AseriesofcitizenHeron'schoicestoathsinterruptedtheman'sspeech。Thenhewascurtlyorderedtoproceed，andheresumedhisreport。
　　“CitizenChauvelinrangatthedoorofthechateau；afterawhilehewasadmittedbyanoldservant，whoappearedtobeincharge，buttheplaceseemedotherwiseabsolutelydeserted——only——“
　　“Onlywhat？Goon；whatisit？”
　　“Aswerodethroughtheparkitseemedtousasifwewerebeingwatched，andfollowed。Wehearddistinctlythesoundofhorsesbehindandaroundus，butwecouldseenothing；andnow，whenI
　　ranback，againIheard。Thereareothersintheparkto-nightbesidesus，citizen。“
　　Therewassilenceafterthat。ItseemedasifthefloodofHeron'sblasphemouseloquencehadspentitselfatlast。
　　“Othersinthepark！”Andnowhisvoicewasscarcelyaboveawhisper，hoarseandtrembling。“Howmany？Couldyousee？”
　　“No，citizen，wecouldnotsee；buttherearehorsemenlurkingroundthechateaunow。CitizenChauvelintookfourmenintothehousewithhimandlefttheothersonguardoutside。Hebademetellyouthatitmightbesafertosendhimafewmoremenifyoucouldsparethem。Thereareanumberofdisusedfarmbuildingsquiteclosetothegates，andhesuggestedthatallthehorsesbeputupthereforthenight，andthatthemencomeuptothechateauonfoot；itwouldbequickerandsafer，forthedarknessisintense。“
　　Evenwhilethemanspoketheforestinthedistanceseemedtowakefromitssolemnsilence，thewindonitswingsbroughtsoundsoflifeandmovementdifferentfromtheprowlingofbeastsorthescreechingofnight-birds。Itwasthefurtiveadvanceofmen，thequickwhispersofcommand，ofencouragement，ofthehumananimalpreparingtoattackhiskind。Butallinthedistancestill，allmuffled，allfurtiveasyet。
　　“Sergeant！”ItwasHeron'svoice，butittoowassubdued，andalmostcalmnow；“canyouseethechapel？”
　　“Moreclearly，citizen，“repliedthesergeant。“Itisonourleft；quiteasmallbuilding，Ithink。“
　　“Thendismount，andwalkallroundit。Seethattherearenowindowsordoorintherear。“
　　Therewasaprolongedsilence，duringwhichthosedistantsoundsofmenmoving，offurtivepreparationsforattack，struckdistinctlythroughthenight。
　　MargueriteandArmand，clingingtooneanother，notknowingwhattothink，noryetwhattofear，heardthesoundsminglingwiththoseimmediatelyroundthem，andMargueritemurmuredunderherbreath：
　　“ItisdeBatzandsomeofhisfriends；butwhatcantheydo？
　　WhatcanPercyhopefornow？”
　　ButofPercyshecouldhearandseenothing。Thedarknessandthesilencehaddrawntheirimpenetrableveilbetweenhisunseenpresenceandherownconsciousness。Shecouldseethecoachinwhichhewas，butHeron'shideouspersonality，hisheadwithitsbatteredhatandsoiledbandage，hadseemedtoobtrudeitselfalwaysbeforehergaze，blottingoutfromhermindeventheknowledgethatPercywastherenotfiftyyardsawayfromher。
　　Sostrongdidthisfeelinggrowinherthatpresentlytheawfuldreadseizeduponherthathewasnolongerthere；thathewasdead，wornoutwithfatigueandillnessbroughtonbyterribleprivations，orifnotdeadthathehadswooned，thathewasunconscious——hisspiritabsentfromhisbody。SherememberedthatfrightfulyellofrageandhatewhichHeronhadutteredafewminutesago。Hadthebruteventedhisfuryonhishelpless，weakenedprisoner，andstilledforeverthoselipsthat，mayhap，hadmockedhimtothelast？
　　Margueritecouldnotguess。Shehardlyknewwhattohope。
　　Vaguely，whenthethoughtofPercylyingdeadbesidehisenemyfloatedthroughherachingbrain，shewasalmostconsciousofasenseofreliefatthethoughtthatatleasthewouldbesparedthepainofthefinal，inevitablecataclysm。
　　CHAPTERXLVII
　　THECHAPELOFTHEHOLYSEPULCHRE
　　Thesergeant'svoicebrokeinuponhermisery。
　　Themanhadapparentlydoneasthecitizenagenthadordered，andhadcloselyexaminedthelittlebuildingthatstoodontheleft——avague，blackmassmoredensethanthesurroundinggloom。
　　“Itisallsolidstone，citizen，“hesaid；“irongatesinfront，closedbutnotlocked，rustykeyinthelock，whichturnsquiteeasily；nowindowsordoorintherear。“
　　“Youarequitesure？”
　　“Quitecertain，citizen；itisplain，solidstoneattheback，andtheonlypossibleaccesstotheinterioristhroughtheirongateinfront。“
　　“Good。“
　　MargueritecouldonlyjusthearHeronspeakingtothesergeant。
　　Darknessenvelopedeveryformanddeadenedeverysound。Eventheharshvoicewhichshehadlearnedtoloatheandtodreadsoundedcuriouslysubduedandunfamiliar。Heronnolongerseemedinclinedtostorm，torage，ortocurse。Themomentarydanger，thethoughtoffailure，thehopeofrevenge，hadapparentlycooledhistemper，strengthenedhisdetermination，andforcedhisvoicedowntoalittleaboveawhisper。Hegavehisordersclearlyandfirmly，andthewordscametoMargueriteonthewingsofthewindwithstrangedistinctness，bornetoherearsbythedarknessitself，andthehushthatlayoverthewood。
　　“Takehalfadozenmenwithyou，sergeant，“shebeardhimsay，“andjoincitizenChauvelinatthechateau。Youcanstableyourhorsesinthefarmbuildingscloseby，ashesuggestsandruntohimonfoot。Youandyourmenshouldquicklygetthebestofahandfulofmidnightprowlers；youarewellarmedandtheyonlycivilians。TellcitizenChauvelinthatIinthemeanwhilewilltakecareofourprisoners。TheEnglishmanIshallputinironsandlockupinsidethechapel，withfivemenunderthecommandofyourcorporaltoguardhim，theothertwoIwilldrivemyselfstraighttoCrecywithwhatisleftoftheescort。Youunderstand？”
　　“Yes，citizen。“
　　“WemaynotreachCrecyuntiltwohoursaftermidnight，butdirectlyIarriveIwillsendcitizenChauvelinfurtherreinforcements，which，however，Ihopemaynotnecessary，butwhichwillreachhimintheearlymorning。Evenifheisseriouslyattacked，hecan，withfourteenmenhewillhavewithhim，holdoutinsidethecastlethroughthenight。Tellhimalsothatatdawntwoprisonerswhowillbewithmewillbeshotinthecourtyardoftheguard-houseatCrecy，butthatwhetherhehasgotholdofCapetornothehadbestpickuptheEnglishmaninthechapelinthemorningandbringhimstraighttoCrecy，whereI
　　shallbeawaitinghimreadytoreturntoParis。Youunderstand？”
　　“Yes，citizen。“
　　“ThenrepeatwhatIsaid。“
　　“IamtotakesixmenwithmetoreinforcecitizenChauvelinnow。“
　　“Yes。“
　　“Andyou，citizen，willdrivestraightbacktoCrecy，andwillsendusfurtherreinforcementsfromthere，whichwillreachusintheearlymorning。“
　　“Yes。“
　　“WearetoholdthechateauagainstthoseunknownmaraudersifnecessaryuntilthereinforcementscomefromCrecy。Havingroutedthem，wereturnhere，pickuptheEnglishmanwhomyouwillhavelockedupinthechapelunderastrongguardcommandedbyCorporalCassard，andjoinyouforthwithatCrecy。“
　　“This，whethercitizenChauvelinhasgotholdofCapetornot。“
　　“Yes，citizen，Iunderstand，“concludedthesergeantimperturbably；“andIamalsototellcitizenChauvelinthatthetwoprisonerswillbeshotatdawninthecourtyardoftheguard-houseatCrecy。“
　　“Yes。Thatisall。Trytofindtheleaderoftheattackingparty，andbringhimalongtoCrecywiththeEnglishman；butunlesstheyareinverysmallnumbersdonottroubleabouttheothers。Nowenavant；citizenChauvelinmightbegladofyourhelp。And——stay——orderallthementodismount，andtakethehorsesoutofoneofthecoaches，thenletthemenyouaretakingwithyoueachleadahorse，oreventwo，andstablethemallinthefarmbuildings。Ishallnotneedthem，andcouldnotspareanyofmymenfortheworklateron。Rememberthat，aboveall，silenceistheorder。Whenyouarereadytostart，comebacktomehere。“
　　Thesergeantmovedaway，andMargueriteheardhimtransmittingthecitizenagent'sorderstothesoldiers。Thedismountingwascarriedoninwonderfulsilence——forsilencehadbeenoneoftheprincipalcommands——onlyoneortwowordsreachedherears。
　　“Firstsectionandfirsthalfofsecondsectionfallin，rightwheel。Firstsectioneachtaketwohorsesonthelead。Quietlynowthere；don'ttugathisbridle——lethimgo。“
　　Andafterthatasimplereport：
　　“Allready，citizen！”
　　“Good！”wastheresponse。“Nowdetailyourcorporalandtwomentocomeheretome，sothatwemayputtheEnglishmaninirons，andtakehimatoncetothechapel，andfourmentostandguardatthedoorsoftheothercoach。“
　　Thenecessaryordersweregiven，andafterthattherecamethecurtcommand：
　　“Enavant！”
　　Thesergeant，withhissquadandallthehorses，wasslowlymovingawayinthenight。Thehorses'hoofshardlymadeanoiseonthesoftcarpetofpine-needlesandofdeadfallenleaves，butthechampingofthebitswasofcourseaudible，andnowandthenthesnortingofsomepoor，tiredhorselongingforitsstable。
　　SomehowinMarguerite'sfeveredmindthisdepartureofasquadofmenseemedlikethefinalflittingofherlasthope；theslowagonyofthefamiliarsounds，theretreatinghorsesandsoldiersmovingawayamongsttheshadows，tookonaweirdsignificance。
　　Heronhadgivenhislastorders。Percy，helplessandprobablyunconscious，wouldspendthenightinthatdankchapel，whilesheandArmandwouldbetakenbacktoCrecy，driventodeathlikesomeinsentientanimalstotheslaughter。
　　WhenthegreydawnwouldfirstbegintopeepthroughthebranchesofthepinesPercywouldbeledbacktoParisandtheguillotine，andsheandArmandwillhavebeensacrificedtothehatredandrevengeofbrutes。
　　Theendhadcome，andtherewasnothingmoretobedone。
　　Struggling，fighting，scheming，couldbeofnoavailnow；butshewantedtogettoherhusband；shewantedtobenearhimnowthatdeathwassoimminentbothforhimandforher。
　　Shetriedtoenvisageitall，quitecalmly，justassheknewthatPercywouldwishhertodo。Theinevitableendwasthere，andshewouldnotgivetothesecallouswretchesherethegratuitousspectacleofadespairingwomanfightingblindlyagainstadverseFate。
　　Butshewantedtogotoherhusband。Shefeltthatshecouldfacedeathmoreeasilyonthemorrowifshecouldbutseehimonce，ifshecouldbutlookoncemoreintotheeyesthathadmirroredsomuchenthusiasm，suchabsolutevitalityandwhole-heartedself-sacrifice，andsuchanintensityofloveandpassion；ifsheCouldbutkissoncemorethoselipsthathadsmiledthroughlife，andwouldsmile，sheknew，eveninthefaceofdeath。
　　Shetriedtoopenthecarriagedoor，butitwasheldfromwithout，andaharshvoicecursedher，orderinghertositstill。
　　Butshecouldleanoutofthewindowandstrainhereyestosee。
　　Theywerebynowaccustomedtothegloom，thedilatedpupilstakinginpicturesofvagueformsmovinglikeghoulsintheshadows。Theothercoachwasnotfar，andshecouldhearHeron'svoice，stillsubduedandcalm，andthecursesofthemen。ButnotasoundfromPercy。
　　“Ithinktheprisonerisunconscious，“sheheardoneofthemensay。
　　“Lifthimoutofthecarriage，then，“wasHeron'scurtcommand；
　　“andyougoandthrowopenthechapelgates。“
　　Margueritesawitall。Themovement，thecrowdofmen，twovague，blackformsliftinganotherone，whichappearedheavyandinert，outofthecoach，andcarryingitstaggeringuptowardsthechapel。
　　Thentheformsdisappeared，swallowedupbythemoredensemassofthelittlebuilding，mergedinwithit，immovableasthestoneitself。
　　Onlyafewwordsreachedhernow。
　　“Heisunconscious。“
　　“Leavehimthere，then；he'llnotmove！”
　　“Nowclosethegates！”
　　Therewasaloudclang，andMargueritegaveapiercingscream。
　　Shetoreatthehandleofthecarriagedoor。
　　“Armand，Armand，gotohim！”shecried；andallherself-control，allherenforcedcalm，vanishedinanoutburstofwild，agonisingpassion。“Letmegettohim，Armand！Thisistheend；getmetohim，inthenameofGod！”
　　“Stopthatwomanscreaming，“cameHeron'svoiceclearlythroughthenight。“Putherandtheotherprisonerinirons——quick！”
　　ButwhileMargueriteexpendedherfeeblestrengthinamad，patheticefforttoreachherhusband，evennowatthislasthour，whenallhopewasdeadandDeathwassonigh，Armandhadalreadywrenchedthecarriagedoorfromthegraspofthesoldierwhowasguardingit。HewasoftheSouth，andknewthetrickofcharginganunsuspectingadversarywithheadthrustforwardlikeabullinsidearing。Thusheknockedoneofthesoldiersdownandmadeaquickrushforthechapelgates。
　　Themen，attackedsosuddenlyandinsuchcompletedarkness，didnotwaitfororders。TheyclosedinroundArmand；onemandrewhissabreandhackedawaywithitinaimlessrage。
　　Butforthemomentheevadedthemall，pushinghiswaythroughthem，notheedingtheblowsthatcameonhimfromoutthedarkness。Atlasthereachedthechapel。Withoneboundhewasatthegate，hisnumbfingersfumblingforthelock，whichhecouldnotsee。
　　ItwasavigorousblowfromHeron'sfistthatbroughthimatlasttohisknees，andeventhenhishandsdidnotrelaxtheirhold；
　　theygrippedtheornamentalscrollofthegate，shookthegateitselfinitsrustyhinges，pushedandpulledwiththeunreasoningstrengthofdespair。Hehadasabrecutacrosshisbrow，andthebloodflowedinawarm，tricklingstreamdownhisface。Butofthishewasunconscious；allthathewanted，allthathewasstrivingforwithagonisingheart-beatsandcrackingsinews，wastogettohisfriend，whowaslyinginthereunconscious，abandoned——dead，perhaps。
　　“Curseyou，“struckHeron'svoiceclosetohisear。“Cannotsomeofyoustopthisravingmaniac？”
　　Thenitwasthattheheavyblowonhisheadcausedhimasensationofsickness，andhefellonhisknees，stillgrippingtheironwork。
　　Strongerhandsthanhiswereforcinghimtoloosenhishold；blowsthathurtterriblyrainedonhisnumbedfingers；hefelthimselfdraggedaway，carriedlikeaninertmassfurtherandfurtherfromthatgatewhichhewouldhavegivenhislifebloodtoforceopen。
　　AndMargueriteheardallthisfromtheinsideofthecoachwhereshewasimprisonedaseffectuallyaswasPercy'sunconsciousbodyinsidethatdarkchapel。Shecouldhearthenoiseandscramble，andHeron'shoarsecommands，theswiftsabrestrokesastheycutthroughtheair。
　　Alreadyatrooperhadclappedironsonherwrists，twoothersheldthecarriagedoors。NowArmandwasliftedbackintothecoach，andshecouldnotevenhelptomakehimcomfortable，thoughashewasliftedinsheheardhimfeeblymoaning。ThentheCarriagedoorswerebangedtoagain。
　　“Donotalloweitheroftheprisonersoutagain，onperilofyourlives！”camewithavigorouscursefromHeron。
　　Afterwhichtherewasamoment'ssilence；whisperedcommandscamespasmodicallyindeadenedsoundtoherear。
　　“Willthekeyturn？”
　　“Yes，citizen。“
　　“Allsecure？”
　　“Yes，citizen。Theprisonerisgroaning。“
　　“Lethimgroan。“
　　“Theemptycoach，citizen？Thehorseshavebeentakenout。“
　　“Leaveitstandingwhereitis，then；citizenChauvelinwillneeditinthemorning。“
　　“Armand，“whisperedMargueriteinsidethecoach，“didyouseePercy？”
　　“Itwassodark，“murmuredArmandfeebly；“butIsawhim，justinsidethegates，wheretheyhadlaidhimdown。Iheardhimgroaning。Oh，myGod！”
　　“Hush，dear！”shesaid。“Wecandonothingmore，onlydie，ashelived，bravelyandwithasmileonourlips，inmemoryofhim。“
　　“Number35iswounded，citizen，“saidoneofthemen。
　　“Cursethefoolwhodidthemischief，“wastheplacidresponse。
　　“Leavehimherewiththeguard。“
　　“Howmanyofyouarethereleft，then？”askedthesamevoiceamomentlater。
　　“Onlytwo，citizen；ifonewholesectionremainswithmeatthechapeldoor，andalsothewoundedman。“
　　“Twoareenoughforme，andfivearenottoomanyatthechapeldoor。“AndHeron'scoarse，cruellaughechoedagainstthestonewallsofthelittlechapel。“Nowthen，oneofyougetintothecoach，andtheothergotothehorses'heads；andremember，CorporalCassard，thatyouandyourmenwhostayheretoguardthatchapeldoorareanswerabletothewholenationwithyourlivesforthesafetyoftheEnglishman。“
　　Thecarriagedoorwasthrownopen，andasoldiersteppedinandsatdownoppositeMargueriteandArmand。Heroninthemeanwhilewasapparentlyscramblingupthebox。Margueritecouldhearhimmutteringcursesashegropedforthereins，andfinallygatheredthemintohishand。
　　Thespringsofthecoachcreakedandgroanedasthevehicleslowlyswunground；thewheelsplougheddeeplythroughthesoftcarpetofdeadleaves。
　　MargueritefeltArmand'sinertbodyleaningheavilyagainsthershoulder。
　　“Areyouinpain，dear？”sheaskedsoftly。
　　Hemadenoreply，andshethoughtthathehadfainted。Itwasbetterso；atleastthenextdrearyhourswouldflitbyforhimintheblissfulstateofunconsciousness。Nowatlasttheheavycarriagebegantomovemoreevenly。Thesoldieratthehorses'
　　headswassteppingalongatarapidpace。
　　Margueritewouldhavegivenmuchevennowtolookbackoncemoreatthedenseblackmass，blackeranddenserthananyshadowthathadeverdescendedbeforeonGod'searth，whichheldbetweenitscold，cruelwallsallthatshelovedintheworld。
　　Butherwristswerefetteredbytheirons，whichcutintoherfleshwhenshemoved。Shecouldnolongerleanoutofthewindow，andshecouldnotevenhear。Thewholeforestwashushed，thewindwaslulledtorest；wildbeastsandnight-birdsweresilentandstill。Andthewheelsofthecoachcreakedintheruts，bearingMargueritewitheveryturnfurtherandfurtherawayfromthemanwholayhelplessinthechapeloftheHolySepulchre。
　　CHAPTERXLVIII
　　THEWANINGMOON
　　Armandhadwakenedfromhisattackoffaintness，andbrotherandsistersatclosetooneanother，shouldertouchingshoulder。Thatsenseofnearnesswastheonetinysparkofcomforttobothofthemonthisdreary，drearyway。
　　Thecoachhadlumberedonunceasinglysincealleternity——soitseemedtothemboth。Oncetherehadbeenabriefhalt，whenHeron'sroughvoicehadorderedthesoldieratthehorses'headstoclimbontheboxbesidehim，andonce——ithadbeenaverylittlewhileago——aterriblecryofpainandterrorhadrungthroughthestillnessofthenight。Immediatelyafterthatthehorseshadbeenputatamorerapidpace，butithadseemedtoMargueriteasifthatonecryofpainhadbeenrepeatedbyseveralotherswhichsoundedmorefeebleandsoonappearedtobedyingawayinthedistancebehind。
　　Thesoldierwhosatoppositetothemmusthaveheardthecrytoo，forhejumpedup，asifwakenedfromsleep，andputhisheadoutofthewindow。
　　“Didyouhearthatcry，citizen？”heasked。
　　Butonlyacurseansweredhim，andaperemptorycommandnottolosesightoftheprisonersbypokinghisheadoutofthewindow。
　　“Didyouhearthecry？”askedthesoldierofMargueriteashemadehastetoobey。
　　“Yes！Whatcoulditbe？”shemurmured。
　　“Itseemsdangeroustodrivesofastinthisdarkness，“mutteredthesoldier。
　　Afterwhichremarkhe，withthestoliditypeculiartohiskind，figurativelyshruggedhisshoulders，detachinghimself，asitwere，ofthewholeaffair。
　　“Weshouldbeoutoftheforestbynow，“heremarkedinanundertonealittlewhilelater；“thewayseemedshorterbefore。“
　　Justthenthecoachgaveanunexpectedlurchtooneside，andaftermuchgroaningandcreakingofaxlesandspringsitcametoastandstill，andthecitizenagentwasheardcursingloudlyandthenscramblingdownfromthebox。
　　Thenextmomentthecarriage-doorwaspulledopenfromwithout，andtheharshvoicecalledoutperemptorily：
　　“Citizensoldier，here——quick！——quick！——curseyou！——we'llhaveoneofthehorsesdownifyoudon'thurry！”
　　Thesoldierstruggledtohisfeet；itwasnevergoodtobeslowinobeyingthecitizenagent'scommands。Hewashalf-asleepandnodoubtnumbwithcoldandlongsittingstill；toacceleratehismovementshewassuddenlygrippedbythearmanddraggedincontinentlyoutofthecoach。
　　Thenthedoorwasslammedtoagain，eitherbyaroughhandorasuddengustofwind，Margueritecouldnottell；sheheardacryofrageandoneofterror，andHeron'sraucouscurses。ShecoweredinthecornerofthecarriagewithArmand'sheadagainsthershoulder，andtriedtocloseherearstoallthosehideoussounds。
　　Thensuddenlyallthesoundswerehushedandallaroundeverythingbecameperfectlycalmandstill——sostillthatatfirstthesilenceoppressedherwithavague，namelessdread。ItwasasifNatureherselfhadpaused，thatshemightlisten；andthesilencebecamemoreandmoreabsolute，untilMargueritecouldhearArmand'ssoft，regularbreathingclosetoherear。
　　Thewindownearesttoherwasopen，andassheleanedforwardwiththatparalysingsenseofoppressionabreathofpureairstruckfulluponhernostrilsandbroughtwithitabrinytasteasiffromthesea。
　　Itwasnotquitesodark；andtherewasasenseasofopencountrystretchingouttothelimitsofthehorizon。Overheadavaguegreyishlightsuffusedthesky，andthewindsweptthecloudsingreatrollingbanksrightacrossthatlight。
　　Margueritegazedupwardwithamorecalmfeelingthatwasakintogratitude。Thatpalelight，thoughsowanandfeeble，wasthricewelcomeafterthatinkyblacknesswhereinshadowswerelessdarkthanthelights。Shewatchedeagerlythebankofcloudsdrivenbythedyinggale。
　　Thelightgrewbrighterandfaintlygolden，nowthebanksofclouds——storm-tossedandfleecy——racedpastoneanother，partedandreunitedlikeveilsofunseengiantdancerswavedbyhandsthatcontrolledinfinitespace——advancedandrushedandslackenedspeedagain——unitedandfinallytoreasundertorevealthewaningmoon，honey-colouredandmysterious，risingasiffromaninvisibleoceanfaraway。
　　Thewanpalelightspreadoverthewidestretchofcountry，throwingoveritasitspreaddulltonesofindigoandofblue。
　　Hereandtheresparse，stuntedtreeswithfringedgauntarmsbendingtoprevailingwindsproclaimedtheneighbourhoodofthesea。
　　Margueritegazedonthepicturewhichthewaningmoonhadsosuddenlyrevealed；butshegazedwitheyesthatknewnotwhattheysaw。Themoonhadrisenonherright——therelaytheeast——andthecoachmusthavebeentravellingduenorth，whereasCrecy……
　　Intheabsolutesilencethatreignedshecouldperceivefromfar，veryfaraway，thesoundofachurchclockstrikingthemidnighthour；andnowitseemedtohersupersensitivesensesthatafirmfootstepwastreadingthesoftearth，afootstepthatdrewnearer——andthennearerstill。
　　Naturedidpausetolisten。Thewindwashushed，thenight-birdsintheforesthadgonetorest。Marguerite'sheartbeatsofastthatitsthrobbingschokedher，andadizzinesscloudedherconsciousness。
　　Butthroughthisstateoftorporsheheardtheopeningofthecarriagedoor，shefelttheonrushofthatpure，brinyair，andshefeltalong，burningkissuponherhands。
　　Shethoughtthenthatshewasreallydead，andthatGodinHisinfinitelovehadopenedtohertheoutergatesofParadise。
　　“Mylove！”shemurmured。
　　Shewasleaningbackinthecarriageandhereyeswereclosed，butshefeltthatfirmfingersremovedtheironsfromherwrists，andthatapairofwarmlipswerepressedthereintheirstead。
　　“There，littlewoman，that'sbetterso——isitnot？NowletmegetholdofpooroldArmand！”
　　ItwasHeaven，ofcourse，elsehowcouldearthholdsuchheavenlyjoy？
　　“Percy！”exclaimedArmandinanawedvoice。
　　“Hush，dear！”murmuredMargueritefeebly；“weareinHeavenyouandI——“
　　Whereuponaringinglaughwoketheechoesofthesilentnight。
　　“InHeaven，dearheart！”Andthevoicehadadeliciousearthlyringinitswhole-heartedmerriment。“PleaseGod，you'llbothbeatPortelwithmebeforedawn。“
　　Thenshewasindeedforcedtobelieve。Sheputoutherhandsandgropedforhim，foritwasdarkinsidethecarriage；shegroped，andfelthismassiveshouldersleaningacrossthebodyofthecoach，whilehisfingersbusiedthemselveswiththeironsonArmand'swrist。
　　“Don'ttouchthatbrute'sfilthycoatwithyourdaintyfingers，dearheart，“hesaidgaily。“GreatLord！Ihavewornthatwretch'sclothesforovertwohours；Ifeelasifthedirthadpenetratedtomybones。“
　　Thenwiththatgesturesohabitualtohimhetookherheadbetweenhistwohands，anddrawinghertohimuntilthewanlightfromwithoutlitupthefacethatheworshipped，hegazedhisfillintohereyes。
　　Shecouldonlyseetheoutlineofhisheadsilhouettedagainstthewind-tossedsky；shecouldnotseehiseyes，norhislips，butshefelthisnearness，andthehappinessofthatalmostcausedhertoswoon。
　　“Comeoutintotheopen，myladyfair，“hemurmured，andthoughshecouldnotsee，shecouldfeelthathesmiled；“letGod'spureairblowthroughyourhairandroundyourdearhead。Then，ifyoucanwalksofar，there'sasmallhalf-wayhouseclosebyhere。I
　　haveknockedupthenonetooamiablehost。YouandArmandcouldhavehalfanhour'sresttherebeforewegofurtheronourway。“
　　“Butyou，Percy？——areyousafe？”
　　“Yes，m'dear，weareallofussafeuntilmorning-timeenoughtoreachLePortel，andtobeaboardtheDay-DreambeforemineamiablefriendM。ChambertinhasdiscoveredhisworthycolleaguelyinggaggedandboundinsidethechapeloftheHolySepulchre。
　　ByGad！howoldHeronwillcurse——themomenthecanopenhismouth！”
　　Hehalfhelped，halfliftedheroutofthecarriage。Thestrongpureairsuddenlyrushingrightthroughtoherlungsmadeherfeelfaint，andshealmostfell。Butitwasgoodtofeelherselffalling，whenonepairofarmsamongstthemillionsontheearthweretheretoreceiveher。
　　“Canyouwalk，dearheart？”heasked。“Leanwellonme——itisnotfar，andtherestwilldoyougood。“
　　“Butyou，Percy——“
　　Helaughed，andthemostcompletejoyoflivingseemedtoresoundthroughthatlaugh。Herarmwasinhis，andforonemomenthestoodstillwhilehiseyessweptthefarreachesofthecountry，themellowdistancestillwrappedinitsmantleofindigo，stilluntouchedbythemysteriouslightofthewaningmoon。
　　Hepressedherarmagainsthisheart，buthisrighthandwasstretchedouttowardstheblackwalloftheforestbehindhim，towardsthedarkcrestsofthepinesinwhichthedyingwindsentitslastmournfulsighs。
　　“Dearheart，“hesaid，andhisvoicequiveredwiththeintensityofhisexcitement，“beyondthestretchofthatwood，fromfarawayoverthere，therearecriesandmoansofanguishthatcometomyearevennow。Butforyou，dear，Iwouldcrossthatwoodto-nightandre-enterParisto-morrow。Butforyou，dear——butforyou，“hereiteratedearnestlyashepressedherclosertohim，forabittercryhadrisentoherlips。
　　Shewentoninsilence。Herhappinesswasgreat——asgreataswasherpain。Shehadfoundhimagain，themanwhomsheworshipped，thehusbandwhomshethoughtnevertoseeagainonearth。Shehadfoundhim，andnotevennow——notafterthoseterribleweeksofmiseryandsufferingunspeakable——couldshefeelthatlovehadtriumphedoverthewild，adventurousspirit，therecklessenthusiasm，theardourofself-sacrifice。
　　CHAPTERXLIX
　　THELANDOFELDORADO
　　ItseemsthatinthepocketofHeron'scoattherewasaletter-casewithsomefewhundredfrancs。Itwasamusingtothinkthatthebrute'smoneyhelpedtobribetheill-temperedkeeperofthehalf-wayhousetoreceiveguestsatmidnight，andtoplythemwellwithfood，drink，andtheshelterofastuffycoffee-room。
　　Margueritesatsilentlybesideherhusband，herhandinhis。
　　Armand，oppositetothem，hadbothelbowsonthetable。Helookedpaleandwan，withabandageacrosshisforehead，andhisglowingeyeswererestingonhischief。
　　“Yes！youdemmedyoungidiot，“saidBlakeneymerrily，“younearlyupsetmyplanintheend，withyouryellingandscreamingoutsidethechapelgates。“
　　“Iwantedtogettoyou，Percy。Ithoughtthosebruteshadgotyouthereinsidethatbuilding。“
　　“Notthey！”heexclaimed。“ItwasmyfriendHeronwhomtheyhadtrussedandgagged，andwhommyamiablefriendM。Chambertinwillfindinthereto-morrowmorning。ByGad！IwouldgobackifonlyforthepleasureofhearingHeroncursewhenfirstthegagistakenfromhismouth。“
　　“Buthowwasitalldone，Percy？AndtherewasdeBatz——“
　　“DeBatzwaspartoftheschemeIhadplannedformineownescapebeforeIknewthatthosebrutesmeanttotakeMargueriteandyouashostagesformygoodbehaviour。WhatIhopedthenwasthatundercoverofatussleorafightIcouldsomehoworothercontrivetoslipthroughtheirfingers。Itwasachance，andyouknowmybeliefinbald-headedFortune，withtheonesolitaryhair。
　　Well，Imeanttograbthathair；andattheworstIcouldbutdieintheopenandnotcagedinthatawfulholelikesomenoxiousvermin。IknewthatdeBatzwouldrisetothebait。ItoldhiminmyletterthattheDauphinwouldbeattheChateaud'Ourdethisnight，butthatIfearedtherevolutionaryGovernmenthadgotwindofthisfact，andweresendinganarmedescorttobringtheladaway。ThisletterFfoulkestooktohim；IknewthathewouldmakeavigorousefforttogettheDauphinintohishands，andthatduringthescufflethatonehaironFortune'sheadwouldforonesecondonly，mayhap，comewithinmyreach。IhadsoplannedtheexpeditionthatwewereboundtoarriveattheforestofBoulognebynightfall，andnightisalwaysausefulally。Butattheguard-houseoftheRueSte。AnneIrealisedforthefirsttimethatthosebruteshadpressedmeintoatightercornerthanIhadpre-conceived。“
　　Hepaused，andonceagainthatlookofrecklessnesssweptoverhisface，andhiseyes——stillhollowandcircled——shonewiththeexcitementofpastmemories。
　　“Iwassuchaweak，miserablewretch，then，“hesaid，inanswertoMarguerite'sappeal。“Ihadtotryandbuildupsomestrength，when——Heavenforgivemeforthesacrilege——Ihadunwittinglyriskedyourpreciouslife，dearheart，inthatblindendeavourtosavemineown。ByGad！itwasnoeasytaskinthatjoltingvehiclewiththatnoisomewretchbesidemeforsolecompany；yetI
　　ateandIdrankandIsleptforthreedaysandtwonights，untilthehourwheninthedarknessIstruckHeronfrombehind，half-strangledhimfirst，thengaggedhim，andfinallyslippedintohisfilthycoatandputthatloathsomebandageacrossmyhead，andhisbatteredhataboveitall。TheyellhegavewhenfirstIattackedhimmadeeveryhorserear——youmustrememberit——thenoiseeffectuallydrownedourlastscuffleinthecoach。
　　Chauvelinwastheonlymanwhomighthavesuspectedwhathadoccurred，buthehadgoneonahead，andbald-headedFortunehadpassedbyme，andIhadmanagedtograbitsonehair。Afterthatitwasallquiteeasy。ThesergeantandthesoldiershadseenverylittleofHeronandnothingofme；itdidnottakeagreatefforttodeceivethem，andthedarknessofthenightwasmymostfaithfulfriend。Hisraucousvoicewasnotdifficulttoimitate，anddarknessalwaysmufflesandchangeseverytone。Anyway，itwasnotlikelythatthoseloutishsoldierswouldevenremotelysuspectthetrickthatwasbeingplayedonthem。Thecitizenagent'sorderswerepromptlyandimplicitlyobeyed。Themennevereventhoughttowonderthatafterinsistingonanescortoftwentyheshoulddriveoffwithtwoprisonersandonlytwomentoguardthem。Iftheydidwonder，itwasnottheirstoquestion。ThosetwotroopersarespendinganuncomfortablenightsomewhereintheforestofBoulogne，eachtiedtoatree，andsometwoleaguesapartonefromtheother。Andnow，“headdedgaily，“envoiture，myfairlady；andyou，too，Armand。'TissevenleaguestoLePortel，andwemustbetherebeforedawn。“
　　“SirAndrew'sintentionwastomakeforCalaisfirst，theretoopencommunicationwiththeDay-DreamandthenforLePortel，“
　　saidMarguerite；“afterthathemeanttostrikebackfortheChateaud'Ourdeinsearchofme。“
　　“Thenwe'llstillfindhimatLePortel——Ishallknowhowtolayhandsonhim；butyoutwomustgetaboardtheDay-Dreamatonce，forFfoulkesandIcanalwayslookafterourselves。“
　　Itwasonehouraftermidnightwhen——refreshedwithfoodandrest——Marguerite，ArmandandSirPercyleftthehalf-wayhouse。
　　Margueritewasstandinginthedoorwayreadytogo。PercyandArmandhadgoneaheadtobringthecoachalong。
　　“Percy，“whisperedArmand，“Margueritedoesnotknow？”
　　“Ofcourseshedoesnot，youyoungfool，“retortedPercylightly。
　　“IfyoutryandtellherIthinkIwouldsmashyourhead。“
　　“Butyou——“saidtheyoungmanwithsuddenvehemence；“canyoubearthesightofme？MyGod！whenIthink——“
　　“Don'tthink，mygoodArmand——notofthatanyway。Onlythinkofthewomanforwhosesakeyoucommittedacrime——ifsheispureandgood，wooherandwinher——notjustnow，foritwerefoolishtogobacktoParisafterher，butanon，whenshecomestoEnglandandallthesepastdaysareforgotten——thenloveherasmuchasyoucan，Armand。LearnyourlessonoflovebetterthanIhavelearntmine；donotcauseJeanneLangethosetearsofanguishwhichmymadspiritbringstoyoursister'seyes。Youwereright，Armand，whenyousaidthatIdonotknowhowtolove！”
　　ButonboardtheDay-Dream，whenalldangerwaspast，Margueritefeltthathedid。
　　End