He was still in reverie when he saw a shadow at the mouth of the cave. It was one of his fellow passengers. Though he had not been intimate with them, even withholding his name, he felt that here he was bound to extend the honor of the cave by right of discoverer.
He rose and offered his hand to this timid, stumbling figure whose fingers closed on his own in acceptance of the courtesy.
At the same time as the stranger’s face was shone in the twilight, Philip drew back and uttered an outcry in horror.
“Gilbert?”
“Philip!”
The soldier gripped the other by the throat, and dragged him deeper into the cavern. Gilbert allowed it to be done without a remonstrance. Thrust with his back against the rocks, he could be pushed no farther.
“God is just,” said Philip, “He hath delivered you to me. You shall not escape.”
The prisoner let his hands swing by his side and turned livid.
“Oh, coward and villain,” said the victor, “he has not even the instinct of the beast to defend himself.”
“Why should I defend myself?” returned Gilbert. “I am willing to die and by your hand foremost.”