The King, sword in hand, looked at the dusky slave, and breathed a desperate oath. He raised his sword, and would have killed the dusky but faithful Nubian upon the spot. In an instant, however, Ellen rose from her seat, and falling on her knees before the King, held up her hands, and with tears in her eyes begged for his life. The King turned and smiled, and motioning to a corner, the slave rose, and crouched in it. “Move an inch or utter a word,” said he, “and you die.” “He is deaf and dumb,” said Ellen; “spare the poor docile, faithful creature. Be merciful, stranger—for pity’s sake, harm him not; he is the only friend I have!” “Ah, I forgot, so he is deaf and dumb,” said the King. “I have heard Blood speak of this eunuch before. For your sake, sweet lady, I spare him. But, if deaf, why was he listening?” “He was praying, sir; that is his usual position when at prayers.” “Ah! so be it, then; I never pray myself—I have forgotten how.” This he said with a sneering smile, and as he turned towards Ellen, he dropped upon one knee, and with the sweetest of smiles whispered, “Fly, lady—fly with me! I have heard of your cruel captivity, and have come to release you. All is ready for our flight.” So speaking he rose, and passing his arm round Ellen’s waist, bore her, more dead than alive, from the chamber. He doubly locked the door, and entered an adjoining chamber with his unconscious and fainting victim, in order to await the coming of Rochfort. * * * * * Captain Jack’s head just peeped above the balcony of Ellen Harmer’s chamber at the moment the King had left it. Noiselessly he opened the lattice, and, disguised as he was, entered, pistol in hand. “I thought I saw a light here a moment ago,” he said; “surely I was not mistaken.” He was not; but the King had taken the wax taper with him, and all was now total darkness. “Splendid chamber this,” thought Jack, as he turned on his lantern and gazed around. He thought in the far corner he could perceive two dark eyes glistening. He made a thrust at the spot with his sword. But the Nubian had perceived him and crept under the bed. “It must have been a cat, or something,” thought Jack, as he began to ransack the drawers and wardrobes. Watches, jewels, silks, satins, and money he found in abundance. “Hillo! this will do,” he mused, as he filled his pockets in great haste. But the next thing to be done was to descend the stairs, so as to admit his companions. He was in his stocking feet, and moved about without making the slightest noise. After much trouble, he forced back the lock of the chamber door. Like a cat, he descended the stairs, and withdrew the two huge bolts of the front door. This was done without the slightest noise, and several of his gang entered and distributed themselves all over the mansion.