"Because they have discovered that an attack was meditated by the brigands upon the way to execution on Thursday."
"Impossible!" cried Theodora, starting up. "Why, it was only just agreed upon. I have left them not two hours ago, and it was then that they came to this resolution."
"It is already known here. A messenger from the great Mr. Harkaway sought the governor with the news, and as Mr. Harkaway is all-powerful here, the execution takes place to-morrow morning at daybreak. It is said that he has his own spies in the camp of the brigands."
Theodora clapped her hands to her head, and paced wildly up and down.
"There is no way out of it, dear Mariana," she cried. "No way, no way, but one."
"What is that?"
"I will see this Mr. Harkaway, and tell him all."
"But you will ruin us all."
"No. He will be overjoyed with the news I bring, and will do as I wish—all I ask to repay me for the words of comfort which I have for him."
"I doubt it."