Precisely on the opposite or inner side there was an opening in the rocks, and Wagner's eye could trace upward a steep but still practicable path, doubtless formed by some torrent of the spring, which was now dried up amidst the mountains above,--that path reaching to the very basis of the volcano. Thus, had circumstances permitted him to exercise his patience and institute a longer search among the defiles formed by the crags and rocks around the conical volcano, he would have discovered a means of safe egress from that region without daring the desperate leap of the chasm, desperate even for him, although he bore a charmed life, because his limbs might have been broken against the rugged sides of the precipice. Between the opening to the steep path just spoken of, and the shelving bank on which Wagner now stood, there was so narrow a space, that the bent tree stretched completely across the torrent; thus any one, descending from the mountains by the natural pathway, might cross by means of the tree to the side which Fernand had gained. "This, then, must have been the route by which the villain Stephano emerged from the mountains," he said to himself, "and the fiend deceived me when he declared that I could not reach the plains below without his aid." Such were his reflections as he hurried up the shelving bank: and when he reached the summit his glance embraced a scene already described to the reader. For, flying wildly on toward the forest, was his beauteous Nisida, scattering flowers in her whirlwind progress, those flowers that had ere now decked her hair, her neck and her waist. At some distance behind her was the bandit Stephano; with sword in hand he still maintained the chase, though breathless and ready to sink from exhaustion. Not an instant did Wagner tarry upon the top of the bank which he had reached; but darting toward Nisida, who was now scarce fifty yards from him, he gave vent to an ejaculation of joy. She saw him--she beheld him: and her speed was checked in an instant with the overpowering emotion of wonder and delight. Then, as he hurried along the verge of the forest to encounter her--to fold her in his fond embrace--to protect her,--she once more sprung forward, with outstretched arms, to fly into his arms, which were open to receive her. But at that instant there was a horrible rustling amidst the foliage of the huge tree beneath which she was hastening on;--a monstrous snake darted down with a gushing sound, and in another moment the beauteous form of Nisida was encircled by its hideous coils. Then fled that wondrous self-command which for long years she had exercised with such amazing success:--then vanished from her mind all the strong motives which had induced her to undertake so terrible a martyrdom as that of simulating the loss of two faculties most dear and most valuable to all human beings;--and with a cry of ineffable anguish, she exclaimed, "_Fernand, save me! save me!_" CHAPTER XLIII.