will make a rush for it."

The speaker was John Humphreys, who had gallantly fought his way to my
side, and was now keeping a clear space with his sword. Peleton stood
just above us, shivering with fear, and I must admit that his position
was far from pleasant. His arms were still bound, so that he could not
ward off a blow, and one brawny ruffian was making desperate efforts to
reach him.

Suddenly there arose a terrible cry, sending a thrill of fear to our
hearts. The staircase was on fire! Armand called to us to descend
quickly; Pillot screamed to his master. My assailants, thoroughly
cowed, beat a hasty retreat, Raoul and Henri alone, undisturbed by the
cries, continued the deadly fight.

"Run, Humphreys," I cried, "and do not let this fellow slip away when
he reaches the bottom."

The Englishman nodded, and dashed off, while I turned to Peleton.

"Come," I said, "or you will be burned to death," but he stood like a
statue. He seemed numbed by fear and unable to move a step, until I
shook him roughly. Then he roused himself and let me lead him.

As we came abreast of my cousin, I saw him fall, wounded, but could not
go to his help. Peleton's nerves had broken down, and without me to
lean on he must have stumbled. The flames took a firmer hold, the heat
became intense, the smoke was suffocating. I called Raoul by name; he
answered cheerily, bidding me not to lose Peleton.

One man, quickly followed by a second, sprang past me and hurried to
the top of the staircase. It was Pillot with a trusty comrade, and the
dwarf, recognising me, shouted some directions, which, unfortunately, I
failed to understand. The smoke filled my nostrils, I began to
suffocate, but staggered on blindly, dragging Peleton with me. Below
us the stairs had begun to burn--soon they would fall with a crash.

And where was Raoul? Why was my gallant friend not by my side? Had
Pillot slain his master's enemy in the confusion? I endeavoured to
call again, but only a dull, choking sound came from my throat. The
horror of the situation gave me superhuman strength. I dragged Peleton
from step to step, caring nothing for smoke or flames; if the fire
scorched my feet I felt no pain.

Suddenly two figures sprang toward me; they were Armand and John
Humphreys, and together we hurried Peleton into one of the lower rooms
which the flames had not reached.

"Attend to him," I cried, "don't let him escape," and ran swiftly to
the st