"In search of us—and for what purpose, girl?"
"To warn you, that for nearly a month past, a plot has been formed to deprive you of a valuable paper, and even of your life."
"My life—when?"
"On the first opportunity."
"By whom—and where, girl—where?"
"Here in this solitary hut—even now your assassins are in consultation—listen."
He placed his ear to the trap-door, and heard the murmur of hoarse whispers below.
"Hush," said Podatchkine, as already related, "take care!" Then followed the question of the subtle and ferocious Stepniak, as to why he had not given Balgonie a "prod" with his lance in the forest; and the whole conversation in all its horrible details, up to the moment when the wretched Corporal with death and terror mingling in his soul, fell from his seat in a stupor.
"Father in heaven!" exclaimed Balgonie, full of despair and horror, as he mechanically felt for his fatal dispatch, to ascertain that it was yet safe, "I have drunk of this drugged stuff, and am also lost!"
"Nay," said the gipsy, hurriedly, "nay——"