And Georgia, as yet failing to grasp the true sense of the situation, and unwilling to remain behind, also followed.
As Roderic issued from the dungeon he discovered Inez bending over the form of the bound guard, and the American held his breath with suspense as he hurried toward them.
Ere he arrived however he was reassured.
"He lives, senor, thanks be to the Virgin—it is I, my Leon, your Inez who has sworn to save you nor share your fate. A knife Senor Owen, so that we may cut loose his arms. Oh! blessed moment that I behold you alive!"
Thus alternately addressing Roderic and anon her husband, Inez pillowed the head of the bound man, who seemed too amazed to speak.
When however Roderic had opened his pocket knife and severed the bonds with which he had so carefully bound his victim, he was rejoiced to see him immediately sit up.
All seemed to be going well.
Perhaps fortune had other favors in store for them—at least the clouds were rolling away, leaving a clear sky above.
Inez had by this time managed to get her arms around the neck of her husband, and was uttering happy expressions of endearment.
Roderic himself would not have minded copying this example, with the being he loved so close by, but just at this juncture the happy scene was rudely and suddenly disturbed by a gruff voice uttering in vigorous Spanish some astonishment at what was occurring in the grim passage of the old fortress.