As he said this, Talbot came up and stood by his side. Lopez walked down toward the file of men and stood at a point on one side, half-way between the condemned and the soldiers.
"Talbot," said Brooke, in a low voice, "go away."
"Brooke," said Talbot, "will you not live?"
"What! in dishonor?"
"Oh, my God!" groaned Talbot. "What shall I do? He will die—and I've killed him!"
"Talbot," said Brooke, in a husky and unsteady voice, "go away. You'll make me die two deaths. You are safe. Lopez has promised to send a guide with you to Vittoria."
"A guide?" said Talbot, in a strange voice.
"Think of me—sometimes," stammered Brooke.
Talbot turned and looked at him. Brooke saw the look and all that was conveyed in it, and then obstinately shut his eyes.
Lopez now turned to see if the two friends had said their last say. He saw a singular sight. The "priest" was standing directly in front of Brooke and facing the file of soldiers. At that moment also Brooke opened his eyes again and saw Talbot in front of him.