"Here am I flying from that villain, when I ache to seize him by the throat and choke the very breath of life out of him. Here am I running away, running away!—do you hear me, Raquel?—while they, behind there, are calling me coward. But should he take you—"
Raquel stumbled and almost fell at these dreadful words.
"Gil, Gil, dearest! do not speak of it; perhaps he is coming even now behind us."
At the dreadful suspicion she fell against the wall, dragging him with her. She clung to him in terror, impeding his progress.
"This is not the time to give way, Raquel." Silencio spoke sternly. "Call all your will to your aid now. Run ahead of me, while I stand a moment here."
Raquel gathered all her resolution, and without further question fled again upon her way. Silencio waited a moment, facing the steps which they had just descended, and listened intently. But all that he heard was the sound of Raquel's flying feet. When he was convinced that no one was following them, he turned again and ran quickly after Raquel. He easily gained upon her.
"I hear nothing, Raquel. Do not be so frightened."
At these words the changeable child again regained confidence.
"You have heard of a man building better than he knew," he said. He waved the lantern toward the sides of the tunnel. "There were wild tales of smuggling in the old days—"
The colour had returned to Raquel's cheek. She laughed a little as she asked: