"Be brave, mine own true little love, Michael shall soon be here!" I called out above the din.
"So, madam, will I cut him into small pieces here before thee, unless thou dost surrender. Thou canst save him by coming from behind that table. Bethink thee of his fate in case thou art obdurate," said the accursed knave, as he seized mine other car and raised the dagger.
The door was now cracked almost from top to bottom, and Michael still stormed his blows upon it.
"Uh! ye cursed cowards! Oi'll crack yer damned skulls fer ye in a minute! Uh! ye blood-suckin' divils, Oi'll rip ye all to paces and cram ye down yer own bloody throats!"
Louder cracked the door.
"Come, lady, your answer; make haste e'er the door giveth way."
"Hold out, my brave girl! we yet shall conquer!" I cried in encouragement.
Hazel leaned forward, with her left hand leaning upon the table, her body stretched forward, her lips compressed until no colour did remain in them. With her right hand she struck, quickly, the dagger into the table's top, then drew it out and struck again. Still was she silent,—and a small piece came off mine other ear.
"Oh, God! God! God! it is too much! too much!" shrieked the poor maiden; and, throwing her hands above her head, she fell forward upon the table as though she were dead.
Catesby and one of his men then rushed to where she lay, and seized her in their arms and started for the door.