Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/60

 caused. I am his brother; these gentlemen are his cousins. Your blood must wipe out the stains made on the reputation of the one who has killed him; we will be satisfied only at that price."

"Well," said the princess, trembling at the sight of the swords which the men unsheathed, "let me shed it here. Of what use is it to take me any farther?"

"No," said Schinders, "that would be too easy a punishment. We want to give justice in proportion to the crime. Let's go."

Then these men having placed the two women on their horses, the whole troop went into the forest by the same road which had just brought them. As they advanced along this narrow route, it became more twisting and impracticable. The old trees which were hanging over the road shaded it to such an extent that although it was the middle of the day, one could scarcely see. After some time they arrived at a clearing where there was a large pond. In the middle of the pond was an old tower completely surrounded by water. A boat rowed by the men took the party to the foot of the tower and they went into the building through an iron door which slammed shut after them with an ominous sound. They were in a dark dungeon which had no windows.

"This is the lodging which has been destined for you, Miladies," said Schinders. "It is a little uncomfortable for a princess accustomed to all the luxury of court life, but it is suitable to one of your merit. If you didn't have your lovers murdered perhaps we would treat you better. Receive, in the meantime, the just punishment which is due you. You see this flax and the tools which are on the table. The punishment to which I condemn you is to make a rope of forty feet. As soon as this rope is finished, it will be cut in two and will be used to hang both of you from the roof of this room. You will not be killed until the rope is finished. Make the work last as long as you wish; our vengeance will be appeased in the end. You will have the consolation of knowing that each of the instants of your life will be used to lead you to your death. The slowness or the promptness will be the measure of your courage; but you will wish for the end of your days in vain, it will come only after you have finished your work. In the