Step by step he slowly bore the old lady across the creaking, swaying planks, till he reached the other side; then he laid her gently down behind the parapet at the foot of the gable. Then he sped back.
"Now it is your turn, Señorita," he said, preparing to lift the girl.
"I can go alone," she said without hesitation. "I can," she repeated resolutely as Jack sought to detain her.
Springing lightly on to the planks, she paused for an instant, caught her skirt in one hand, bit her lips, and then ran across as lightly as a hare, Jack watching her with a tense feeling of anxiety mingled with admiration. He gave a gasp of relief.
"Now, hombre," he said, turning to the old servant, who had held the planks steady without uttering a word.
"Not so, Señor," he said; "I go last."
"Nonsense! I am responsible for this. Get on at once."
There were loud shouts from below.
"I am old, Señor. The Frenchmen in the street have seen us now; they will shoot; it matters little if I die."
"No more. You must go. The ladies require you."