“I would rather you went with me. You would be safe at Malincourt. This rope would bear us.” “I shall be safe with my friend. Go, Gerard, for the love of God, go. Every moment is precious.” “I do not like to leave you.” “No harm can touch me with her.” “But first I must know that you are safely out from this cell. Call Pierre. I cannot leave you here. The rack would be a gentler punishment than the suspense till I knew you were safe.” “I will go then.” “God keep you, dearest, till we meet at Malincourt.” He threw his arms round her and they kissed again; and then both started back in alarm. Some one tried the door of the cell, and a voice harsh and stern called loudly-- “Pierre, Pierre, come here at once and open the door.” “God have mercy upon us both, it is the Duke’s voice,” whispered Gabrielle, clinging to Gerard. Then with intense agitation in her voice she added--“Fly, Gerard, if you love me; fly, or it will be too late.” “Nay, it is too late. I cannot leave you now,” he answered, in a tone of calm strength. “Then let us go together.” “That also were useless. He would be in before ever we could reach the courtyard; and he would either cut the rope and we should go to our death, or summon his soldiers and we should be caught. I will await him here.” The Governor’s voice was heard again then, oathing and cursing at Pierre’s delay and calling to him in strident tones to hasten. CHAPTER XIX A LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE It was indeed a desperate situation in which Gerard and Gabrielle found themselves, and for a few moments Gabrielle could do no more than cling to her lover and stare at the door, overcome by terror. Then, shaking off her lethargy, she once more begged him in an impassioned whisper to fly. “You must not ask it, Gabrielle; nor will he dare to harm either of us when I tell him I am Bourbon’s son.” “He will; he will, I know him and you do not,” she urged strenuously. “Within the last few hours he swore to have your life, if I would not consent to marry him. If he finds us together he will have you slain before my eyes. For the love of God, fly while there is yet time.” “Will you risk it with me?” “Yes, yes, anything; anything rather than that he find you here,” she answered desperately. At this moment they heard the key fitted into the lock and Pierre’s voice as he replied to the Governor’s reproaches. But before the key could be turned, Gerard dragged the pallet to the door and wedging it against an angle of the wall, improvised a barrier which jammed the door fast. The key was turned and those outside strained to thrust the door back; and Pierre’s deep voice was heard declaring that the lock was wedged. “Come, Gabrielle, quick.” Gerard drew her to the window and, getting out, stood upon the ladder and held his arms waiting in a fever of impatience for her to follow. She went to the window and looked out, but with a gasp of fear shrank back, appalled by the far descent, and shuddered.