“Take time for reflection!” replied a deep, guttural voice—that of Hans. “Do not do anything stupid!”
“Who is that?” asked Marcel. “He does not appear so stupid as the others.”
“One would think you know us!” railed the bandit. “Patience! We will give you half an hour in which to decide. If, within thirty minutes, you have not given us satisfaction, I will undertake to make you speak. The night is damp—there is a good fire below!”
Steps were now heard descending the staircase. Milona silently left the room, and Marcel and Sophia remained alone. The time-piece pointed to ten minutes past ten.
“You heard them,” said Sophia. “Now you know what they propose to do. They want your secret.”
“Very well! I have told them they shall not have it!”
Looking at the young woman, he saw that a shudder came over her. Laying his hand on her shoulder, he added—
“But I wish to know yours.”
“Mine?” exclaimed the young woman, with a terrified gesture.
“Yes! Who and what are you?”