The woman fell upon her knees, and holding up her hands in the attitude of prayer, she said—
"Oh, have mercy! Kill me, if you must take a life, but spare the child!"
"The child's life," said Todd, "is in your own hands. Why do you seek to destroy me?"
"I do not—I do not, indeed."
"Then, peace, and do not cry out for help. Do not shout that dreadful word 'Murder!' for that will destroy me. I am hunted by my fellow-men. I am a poor proscribed wretch, and all I ask of you is that you will not betray me."
"You will spare my child?"
"I will. Why should I harm the little innocent? I was once myself a little child, and considered to be rather a beauty."
As Todd said this, he made one of his most hideous faces, so that the woman cried out with terror, and tried to snatch the child from him, but he held it with a firm grasp.
CHAPTER CLXV.
TODD HIDES IN A CUPBOARD.
"It is in vain," said Todd; "my safety is wound up now with the safety of this little one. If you would save it, you will save me."