"And if I refuse," cried the girl, trying desperately to gain time.
"I will drive my blade through your heart and tell the world it was the
deed of your lover."
Baldos groaned. His adversary, encouraged by the change in the
situation, pressed him sorely.
"Don't you dare to touch me, Count Marlanx. I know you!" she hissed." I
know what you would do with me. It is not for Graustark that you seek
his life."
The sword came nearer. The words died in her throat. She grew
faint. Terror paralyzed her. Suddenly, her heart gave a great thump of
joy. The resourcefulness of the trapped was surging to her relief. The
valor of the South leaped into life. The exhilaration of conflict beat
down all her fears. "Take away that sword, then, please," she cried, her
voice trembling, but not with terror now; it was exultation." Will you
promise to spare his life? Will you swear to let him go, if I--"
"No, no, never! God forbid!" implored Baldos.
"Ha, ha!" chuckled the man in the cloak. "Spare his life! Oh, yes; after
my master has revelled in your charms. How do you like that, my handsome
goathunter?"
"You infernal scoundrel! I'll settle you yet!" Baldos fairly fumed with
rage. Gathering himself together for a final effort, he rushed madly on
his rapidly-weakening antagonist.
"Baldos!" she cried hopelessly and in a tone of resignation. "I must do
it! It is the only way!"
The man in the cloak as well as Baldos was deceived by the girl's
cry. He immediately lowered his sword. The lantern dropped from
Beverly's hands and clattered to the floor. At the same instant she drew
from her pocket her revolver, which she had placed there before leaving
the castle, and fired point blank at him. The report sounded like a
thunder clap in their ears. It was followed quickly by a sharp cry and
imprecation from the lips of her persecutor, who fell, striking his head
with a terrible force on the stones.
Simultaneously, there was a groan and the noise of a limp body slipping
to the ground, and, Baldos, victor at last, turned in fear and trembling
to find Beverly standing unhurt staring at the black mass at her feet.
"Thank God! You are safe!" Grasping her hand he led her out of the
darkness into the moonlight.
Not a word was spoken as they ran swiftly on until they reached a little
clump of trees, not far from one of the gates. Here Baldos gently
released her hand. She was panting for breath; but he realized she must
not be allowed to risk a moment's delay. She must pass the sentry at
once.
"Have you the watchword?" he eagerly asked.
"Watchword?" she repeated feebly.
"Yes, the countersign for the night. It is Ganlook. Keep your face well
covered with your hood. Advance boldly to the gates and give the word.
There will be no trouble. The guard is used to pleasure seekers
returning at all hours of night."