Page:Interesting stories.pdf/14

14 Robbers of this description are indeed villains of the blackest die, but, nevertheless, they cease not to be men. The unexpected tenor of their prisoner's address, the apparent unconcern with which she spoke, the more than common charm of a young female only slightly dressed all this produced most singular effects in the hearts of men whose hands were yet stained with blood They formed a ring, and consulted apart for a few minutes. The Baroness stood at some distance, but made not the least attempt to escape She heard several of them say, “Down with her and the farce will be at end," but scarcely changed  her colour, as she also remarked on the other 'hand, that this proposal was objected to by the rest.

One of the band, who seemed to be the captain of the banditti, now went up to her, asking he repeatedly, whether her words might be relied upon? whether she was really desirous of eloping from her lord and accompanying them? whether she was willing to surrender her person to any one of them for enjoyment? She replied to all these questions in the affirmative, and not only endured, but even returned the kiss of the robber --for what could not extreme necessity excuse-- and having by these means gained the confidence of the robbers, their leader said to her, “Come then, and shew us the secret recesses of the castle I know it is rather dangerous to rely upon the sincerity of women of your rank; but we will venture it for once; but you may rest assured that I will cleave your head to your shoulders, though I were ten times more charming, if you make the least attempt to escape, or to impose upon us." " Then my head will be perfectly safe!"