"Not so fast," cried a deep voice.
And they beheld the mysterious owner of the black cloak barring their passage out.
"Ebba, you are mine," cried the stranger. "Auriol has brought you to me."
"It is false!" cried Auriol. "I never will yield her to you."
"Remember your compact," rejoined the stranger, with a mocking laugh.
"Oh, Auriol!" cried Ebba, "I fear for your soul. You have not made a compact with this fiend?"
"He has," replied the stranger; "and by that compact you are surrendered to me."
And, as he spoke, he advanced towards her, and enveloping her in his cloak, her cries were instantly stifled.
"You shall not go!" cried Auriol, seizing him. "Release her, or I renounce you wholly."
"Fool!" cried the stranger, "since you provoke my wrath, take your doom."