Page:Romance & Reality 3.pdf/260

258 are seen, the people will disperse, or a few of the bravest may remain to pelt their leader." "My poor Beatrice, is this our meeting?" exclaimed Zoridos, "You see, Senhor, the case is desperate as regards fighting, and no one can blame the flight which is sheer necessity. I know this ground very well. This won't be the first nun who has found my services useful. It is now getting dusk; in half an hour it will be dark. By that time we shall be on the shore; and Pachetti, with his usual discretion, told me there is a vessel lying about a mile from the coast, and bound for Marseilles. Once on board we are safe." "Well, we must just fight our way through the court," said Henriquez.

"You would not fight far, with a nun on one side, and a novice on the other. No, no; follow me—and that as speedily as possible." So saying he advanced to assist Emily, who instantly recognised the banditti chieftain. Faintly she sank on Beatrice's shoulder, scarcely able to utter her entreaties not to venture with such a guide. The recognition was mutual.