"Bianca's heart gave a joyous bound. He too was safe.
"But a tumult of voices from below—some stern, angry, threatening, others sullen, dogged, defiant, or craven with abject terror—attracted their attention.
"Magdalen set down the light and hurried away in the direction of the sounds, Rudolph and Lucia following.
"A number of the Waldenses, sword in hand, and eyes flashing with righteous indignation, were gathered about two of the would-be assassins, caught by them almost on the threshold of the cottage.
"Their errand who could doubt? and Henri had recognized them as his and
Lucia's pursuers of the morning.
"She too knew them instantly, and clung pale with affright to Rudolph's arm, while he could scarce restrain himself from rushing upon, and running them through with his sword.
"'Spare us, sirs,' entreated Andrea, quaking with fear under the wrathful glance of the father of the maidens, 'spare us; we have not harmed you or yours.'
"'Nor plotted their destruction? Miserable wretch, ask not your life upon the plea that it is not forfeit. Can I doubt what would have been the fate of my wife and daughters had they fallen into your hands?'
"'But your religion teaches you to forgive.'
"'True; yet also to protect the helpless ones committed to my care.'