"No. I gave my word. Besides I've half a notion that this is a sort of test. Fischer has told the men that I am not, and even if they didn't shoot us both, I should be ruined with him. And you can see for yourself there isn't one chance in a hundred of our getting through."
She listened but made no reply.
"We shall have that signal in a moment. That officer is riding away."
A long tremulous sigh from her. "Do you wish me to go, Jack?"
"Yes, most certainly. It's the luckiest chance in the world."
"Is it?"
"You can see it for yourself, dearest." I tried to put my arm round her, but she drew away.
"Don't, Jack! After what you've just said."
There was a pause in which we could catch the guttural tones of the guards and hear them stamping their feet. Precious seconds were flying and I was getting into a positive fever of impatience and anxiety.
"I'm only thinking of you, Nessa. You know that. Do make up your mind to go. You must surely see that it's the one course for you. There's the road to England and your mother and——"