These rock chambers are cool in summer and warm in winter. There was no well here dug in the heart of the rock. Probably owing to its height above the level of the Vézère--some 300 feet--it had not been thought likely that a vein of water would be tapped; so the atmospheric moisture was caught by little runnels scored in the rock, and all these runnels led into a receiver, in which there was generally to be found a supply of water, though not a great quantity. Each window was provided with shutters, and doors fitted into the entrances, and could be fastened. Beds were scooped in the rock, arched above, and these couches were strewn with heather and fern. In cupboards cut in the walls were stores, to be used in case of necessity. When Jean had shown the girl everything, he held out his hand. "Noémi!" he said, and his voice shook, "good-bye! We may never meet again. But do not think that harm would be done you by me--even if the worst were to happen!" "Jean!" she answered gravely, and went to the doorway, and looked down. "Do you think that anyone who fell here, who tripped coming along these steps, who stumbled at the threshold, would not be dashed to pieces in an instant?" "I am sure he would. That is what affords you protection here." "I do not mean that, Jean." She refrained from speaking for a moment. He put out his hand to her, and she took his. Both their hands trembled. "Jean, I shall watch for the sunrise from the little window. If you and your father have not returned----" "Then we shall both perish together in the _oubliette_." "Yes--and the moment the sun comes up----" "Noémi--what then?" "The moment I see the first fire-spark----" "Noémi!" He feared to hear what she was going to say. "Yes, Jean, I shall throw myself down--here." CHAPTER XVIII. IN THE DEPTHS. BEFORE that Jean del' Peyra ventured to cross the Dordogne and approach Domme, he fastened a white kerchief to his cap, as token that he came on peaceful errand, as bearer of a message. As such he was received within the walls, and was conducted to the castle, and given admission to the vaulted hall in which lay Le Gros Guillem on his pallet with his feet up. The long, lean, pale-faced man looked hard at him when admitted, and said-- "Who are you?" "I am Jean del' Peyra," answered the lad, and cast his cap with its white appendage on the table. "Jean del' Peyra! and you venture here!" roared the Captain. "You must in verity be a fool!" "I came--trusting to that," said the youth with composure, pointing to the white token. "Then you came trusting in vain. I regard it not." "Perhaps you will regard this," said Jean, extending the ring, which he plucked from his little finger. The Captain looked at the signet, started, and brayed forth-- "That belongs to Noémi! How came you by that? You have murdered her." "I have not murdered her. If she dies it will be through you. She is my captive."