With these words Lopez retired. He had taken no notice of Russell, at which the latter felt a deep sense of relief. Far different, however, were the feelings of Brooke, and of Talbot also, when he had translated to her the captain's words. "He has need of me," repeated Talbot, "for a purpose in connection with my sacred office. Is that what he said, Brooke?" "Yes," said Brooke, in a low voice. "But what am I to do?" Brooke led her away, out of Russell's hearing, and conversed with her in low whispers. "Don't anticipate trouble, Talbot," he whispered. "But I must prepare myself for a possible emergency," was the reply. "Now, what emergency can possibly arise?" "The burial of the dead, perhaps," said Brooke. "They are going to attack the castle. Some will be killed. That's natural enough. Have you nerve enough to perform the burial-service?" "I don't know," said Talbot. "I might as well try to command a regiment." "Oh, I'll show you the whole thing. All you've got to do is to read the burial-service out of the breviary. We'll practice it together. You need only pronounce the Latin like Italian. Do you know Italian?" "No." "French?" "No." "Oh, well, you're an English priest, you know, and so you had better pronounce it like English. These devils will be none the wiser." Talbot was silent and thoughtful for a few moments. "Brooke," said she, at length, "what were they saying about Lopez going to rescue an English girl, this--this person's daughter? This person, a--Mrs. Russell, said that Lopez was in love with the girl. You spoke about his rescuing her and marrying her." She hesitated. "Well?" said Brooke. "Well," said Talbot, mournfully, "don't you see what I mean? and the use he wishes to make of me in my false character as priest?" "By Jove!" exclaimed Brooke, as Talbot's meaning dawned upon him. "You see, Brooke, I'm afraid that in my disguise as priest I may be required to marry this English girl to Lopez; and that is sacrilege--it is infamy--it is too horrible. I cannot--I will not. Never!" At this Brooke was filled with consternation. He could only say something about the necessity of not anticipating evil, and express the hope that it might only be a burial. But Talbot felt that her fear was just, and that a new and unavoidable danger now arose before her. *** In a short time after this the band set off, guided by Rita. Toward evening they reached a spot about a mile from the castle, where they secreted themselves in a grove, and rested. Evening came, and the moon rose. Then, as silently as possible, they went to the tower. Here arrangements were made for the security of the prisoners, and Rita prepared to lead the band through the secret way into the castle. [Illustration: "Russell Followed, Not Without Difficulty."] CHAPTER XXXVIII. IN WHICH, AFTER A SERIES OF SURPRISES, "HIS MAJESTY" GETS THE GREATEST SURPRISE OF ALL.