Clang—the bolts were shot back.
Then a tearing, ripping noise, as Hull pulled the black hood from his face and shoulders.
"My dear, my dear," he cried, "Miss Lizzie. 'Tis over now. Fear nothing! I and thy true love have brought thee to safety."
The girl gave a great cry. "Johnnie! Johnnie!"
He rushed up to her, and held her in his arms. He was still clothed in the dreadful disguise of a torturer. It had not come into his mind to take it off. But she was not frightened. She knew his arms, she heard his voice, she sank fainting upon his shoulder.
Once more it was John Hull speaking in English who brought the lovers to realisation. His strong and anxious voice was seconded by the Spanish of Alonso.
"Quick! quick!" both the men said. "All hath gone well. We have a start of many hours, but we must be gone from here at once."
Johnnie released Elizabeth from his arms, and then he also doffed the terror-inspiring costume which he wore.
"Sweetheart," he said, "go you with John Hull and this Alonso into the room beyond, where they will give you robes to wear. I will join you in less than a minute."