“Follow me!” shrieked Gray. “There is not time for another word.”
As he spoke he took a pistol from his breast, and turned to Ada.
“You know the use and powers of this weapon. So much as stir, unless I bid you, when we are hiding, or speak even in the lowest whisper, except in answer to me, and I will assuredly take your life.”
Ada did not answer, and after regarding her fixedly for one moment to see what impression he had made upon her mind, Gray hastily left the room, saying,—
“Follow quickly. We have time enough, but none to spare.”
He led her to the crevice in the wall of which the aperture opened, leading to the damp vault, in which she had been before.
“The ladder is on the inner side,” he said, as he placed a chair to assist her in reaching the opening. “Descend, while I make some other arrangements in the room.”
He hastily left the room, locking the door behind him.
Ada stood upon the chair and looked into the dismal vault, from whence a damp earthy smell arose, and sighed deeply.
“Alas!” she said, “must I obey this man? Is he so desperate that he would really take my life, or does he only threaten that which he dare not perform. No—he is a villain, and he would kill me, I am sure that my life is of value to him, but with such a man the feeling of self overcomes all other considerations, he will kill me if I obey him not now. My heart tells me he will. Albert, for thy sake I will do what I can to preserve my life. Just Heaven, direct and aid me!”