'Take that!' exclaimed the first. A groan followed, and the wretch dropped to the ground.
'You have murdered him!' cried I, sickening with horror.
'I have only hamstrung him, my lady,' said the fellow. 'He will be lame for life.'
'Treason!' shouted the wounded man.
His companion burst open the gate; a sudden current of wind met us, and we fled along with incredible speed, while low moans and smothered shrieks were heard at either side of us.
'Gracious heaven, where are we?' cried I.
'In the cavern of death!' said my conductor, 'famous for rats and banditti.'
On a sudden innumerable footsteps echoed behind us. We ran swifter.
'Fire!' cried a ferocious accent, almost at my ear; and in a moment several pistols were discharged.
I stopped, unable to move, breathe, or speak.