"Since you say so, yes. For ten years I have been with you, through all, day and night. I will not leave you now, of my own will, because I love you. I will die here, but not by your hand!"
"I am glad that you object to that, because I hate such trouble. Well, to business. First, write a line saying that this is your own deed. The men reverence you so that they might make trouble were they to think I had killed you."
Without a word, Mabel did as directed. Then again turned toward the ice-hearted monster. He knew not what mercy meant, else he would have relented at that look of ineffable love.
"Well—you are waiting for—?"
Mabel moved round and knelt beside him. He frowned, thinking she meant to plead for her life. Instead, she wound her arms around him, and pressed her lips to his, in a long, lingering, farewell kiss.
Then she rose erect. The bright poniard flashed in the lamp-light. It sunk to the hilt in her warm bosom.
Slowly she sunk to her knees, her eyes riveted upon his, and with that look of love, died!
CHAPTER XI.
THROUGH GLOOM TO LIGHT.