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.