"Where is Estefania?"
"In arrest."
"And Francisco?"
"And he likewise."
"Then we are saved."
"How saved?"
"Go! Tell them, you, to swear that the dragoons forced our hospitality by menace, which we could not resist. They were five strong—young men, well armed. What could we do?"
"It may save us—who knows?"
"It will save us! Do it. Away! Every moment is a life!"
Then, as he left the room in haste, she sprang up on the bed, touched a spring in the wall, and the back of the shallow niche in which the crucifix stood flew open, turning outward on a hinge, disclosing a small circular closet, lighted by a small air-hole, and containing a low stone bench, wrought in the wall.