Then she could no longer thrust back conviction.
With a wild cry of terror she drew back, and groped her way round the room towards the door.
Her hand rested upon the grated trap, and she pushed it back with all her force, crying aloud for help as she did so.
"Help, help!" she shouted with the energy of despair; "Mathias is dying."
But that wretched man would not trouble the authorities more—His last breath had been drawn as she stood there listening to those awesome sounds.
What could be the solution of this mystery!
This would be known soon now, for the sounds of footsteps were distinctly heard now in the long stone corridors of the prison.
The gaolers had given the alarm at once of the prisoner's escape, and the outlets of the prison were guarded in all directions, while a party was sent to the cell to investigate the matter thoroughly.
At the head of this party was the governor himself.
The time had appeared ten times as long to the unhappy woman as it was in reality.