Leonard ran to the yard and counted the Settlement men, who were huddled together in their fear, staring towards the temple through the bars of the gate. Two were missing.
As he returned he met Olfan coming out.
“Where is he going?” he asked of Juanna.
“To guard the gates. He says that he cannot be sure of the soldiers. Is it true about the Settlement men?”
“Alas! yes. Two are gone.”
She hid her face in her hands and shuddered.
“Poor creatures!” she said presently in a hoarse voice. “Why did we ever bring them here? Oh! Leonard, is there no escape from this land of demons?”
“I hope so,” he answered; then added, “Come, Juanna, do not give way. Things look so bad that they are sure to mend.”
“There is need of it,” she sobbed.
All that evening and night they watched, hourly expecting to be attacked and dragged forth to sacrifice, but no attack was made. Indeed, on the morrow they learnt from Olfan that the people had dispersed after sacrificing about a score of human beings, and that quiet reigned in the city.