"You will not act with rashness?" she implored in quick
apprehension. "Remember, your life is at stake, as well as my
own."
"Her enemies intended that I, too, should die!" I answered,
looking straight into those deep mysterious brown eyes which held
me as beneath a spell. "They have drawn her into their power
because she had no means of defense. But I will assume the position
of her friend and protector."
"How?"
"The man is awaiting me in the boat outside. I intend to take
her with me."
"But, m'sieur, why that is impossible!" cried the old woman in a
hoarse voice. "If you were discovered by the guards who patrol the
lake both night and day they would shoot you both."
"I will risk it," I said, and without another word dashed into
the tiny bed chamber and tore an old brown bla
