Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/289

278 "Miladi, what is it you will do?" "My duty—late in the day."

The hound had followed at her side; she stooped and kissed his forehead, then sent him from her back into the shelter of the cavern, reluctant yet obedient.

"Will you not need him?" the boy asked.

"No. Even a dog^s life is too noble to perish for mine. See you to him, and cherish him for my sake."

"I! I go with you, Eccellenza." "No—go rather on the errand I gave you."

"But" "Hush! I have said—none go with me. And—for that you came and told me this thing—may the beauty of life rest with you ever, my child." She passed her hand softly over his fair curls. Then as rapidly and silently as a shadow passes she went from him on her fatal way.

Over the heavy, rugged ground the soldiers forced their prisoner, with his arms lashed behind him, and the Carbines held at his temples. They were a dozen men under a corporal, scouts sent out by the commandant of the gendarmerie scouring the shore; low scoundrels who had been thieves ere they donned the King's uniform, and would be brigands when they doffed it. So that they dragged him to their captain, and compelled him to tell what they