Roger was carolling merrily, and smoke issued from the guard-chamber. The men were lighting a fire whereat to warm themselves, and perhaps do some cooking for their morning meal. In the cold meadow by the water-side, where lay a whiteness like a snow, a peasant was visible, turning the glebe with his plough fastened to the horns of a pair of oxen. She paced her chamber faster. She could not overcome the shivering that pervaded her. The cold had entered the marrow of her bones, and with it her heart turned sick. Where was Jean? Was he in the oubliette? Had he been cast down on the body of his dying father? Suddenly Noémi stood still. Painted on the rock opposite the window was a saffron spot of light. The sun was risen. "It is all over!" she said, and went to the door. There she uttered a cry--a cry of joy and release. Along the surface of the rock ran Jean towards her. He leaped on the threshold, and she caught and drew him in with both hands. The chill had gone from her. A rush of glowing life swept through her arteries and suffused her cheeks. "Saved!" she gasped. "Oh, Jean, is it well?" "I am but just in time!" he answered. "All is well. I came on--my father is behind, too tired to proceed at my pace. Oh, Noémi, Noémi----" They held hands, they could neither speak more words. Her eyes filled with tears, and then she sobbed. Jean was moved. "Noémi," he said, "I shall never, never forget what you have done for us." The girl speedily recovered herself. "I must back to Domme," she said. "My task is done. You did not say that I had surrendered myself?" "No. I let Le Gros Guillem think that we had captured you. But it is with me as with you. I must be back to my father. There is a fellow come with me--called Heliot, and with my father is Peyrot le Fort." "The worst--the most treacherous ruffians there are!" "They can do no hurt. At all events, till you are restored." "From that moment their hands are free." Jean became grave for a moment. But his was an honest nature, not prone to mistrust, even in the midst of the lawlessness and falsehood of the times. "Ah, bah!" said he. "I can defend myself!" "Then let us start immediately," said Noémi. "I would that you had not to come back with me. I would your father had not been left with Peyrot le Fort." Jean went into his father's castle. He ordered two men-at-arms to attend him. Roger and Amanieu were as well to accompany the Captain's daughter. In less than an hour all were ready to start. A breakfast was hastily snatched, and Jean's horse, as well as that of the _routier_, was given water and corn.