“I will not!” she cried. “Something warns me that a great danger awaits me.”
“You must go, girl,” cried Tristram angrily. “I will not leave you to Henry's lawless passion.”
Meanwhile, Herne had passed into one of the large embrasures, and opened, by means of a spring, an entrance to a secret staircase in the wall. He then beckoned Tristram towards him, and whispered some instructions in his ear.
“I understand,” replied the old man.
“Proceed to the cave,” cried Herne, “and remain there till I join you.”
Tristram nodded assent.
“Come, Mabel!” he cried, advancing towards her, and seizing her hand.
“Away!” cried Herne in a menacing tone.
Terrified by the formidable looks and gestures of the demon, the poor girl offered no resistance, and her grandfather drew her into the opening, which was immediately closed after her.
About an hour after this, and when it was near upon the stroke of midnight, the arquebusier who had admitted the tall stranger to the dungeon, and who had momentarily expected his coming forth, opened the door to see what was going forward. Great was his astonishment to find the cell empty! After looking around in bewilderment, he rushed to the chamber above, to tell his comrades what had happened.