"'But if too late to save, we will avenge!' responded a chorus of deep voices, as with frantic haste they sped over the intervening space.
"The next moment the tramp of their feet and the clang of their arms were heard in the streets of the town. Windows and doors flew open and with cries and tears of joy and thankfulness, wives, children, and aged parents gathered about them almost smothering them with caresses.
"The storm, which had seemed to seal their doom, had proved their salvation—preventing some of the murderers from reaching the rendezvous in season, and so terrifying the others that they dared not attempt the deed alone; especially as it had already begun to be rumored that troops were on the march to the threatened valley.
"Rudolph found himself encircled by his mother's arms, her kisses and tears warm upon his cheek.
"He held her close, both hearts too full for speech. Then a single word fell from the soldier's lips, 'Lucia?'
"'Safe.'
"Darting into the house, guided by some subtle instinct, he stood the next moment in the upper room where she knelt by her sister's couch, the two mingling their tears and thanksgivings together.
"All was darkness, but at sound of the well-known step Lucia sprang up with a cry of joy. 'Saved!'
"Rudolph's emotions, as he held her to his heart, were too big for utterance.
"Some one entered with a light. It was Magdalen, and behind her came
Maurice, pale, haggard, and dripping with rain.