t of the guardroom, and cross the hall to the door. A bolt was
drawn and a chain rattled, then followed the creak of hinges, and on the
stone flags rang the footsteps and the jingling of spurs of those that
entered.

"Is all well?" came a voice, which Crispin recognized as Colonel
Pride's, followed by an affirmative reply from one of the soldiers.

"Hath a minister visited the malignants?"

"Master Toneleigh is with them even now."

In the hall Crispin could now make out the figures of Colonel Pride and
of three men who came with him. But he had scant leisure to survey them,
for the colonel was in haste.

"Come, sirs," he heard him say, "light me to their garret. I would see
them--leastways, one of them, before he dies. They are to hang where
the Moabites hanged Gives yesterday. Had I my way... But, there lead on,
fellow."

"Oh, God!" gasped Kenneth, as the soldier set foot upon the stairs.
Under his breath Crispin swore a terrific oath. For an instant it seemed
to him there was naught left but to stand there and await recapture.
Through his mind it flashed that they were five, and he but one; for his
companion was unarmed.

With that swiftness which thought alone can compass did he weigh the
odds, and judge his chances. He realized how desperate they were did he
remain, and even as he thought he glanced sharply round.

Dim indeed was the light, but his sight was keen, and quickened by the
imminence of danger. Partly his eyes and partly his instinct told
him that not six paces behind him there must be a door, and if Heaven
pleased it should be unlocked, behind it they must look for shelter.
It even crossed his mind in that second of crowding, galloping thought,
that perchance the room might be occupied. That was a risk he must
take--the lesser risk of the two, the choice of one of which was forced
upon him. He had determined all this ere the soldier's foot was upon the
third step of the staircase, and before the colonel had commenced the
ascent. Kenneth stood palsied with fear, gazing like one fascinated at
the approaching peril.

Then upon his ear fell the fierce whisper: "Come with me, and tread
lightly as you love your life."

In three long strides, and by steps that were softer than a cat's,
Crispin crossed to the door which he had rather guessed than seen. He
ran his hand along until he caught the latch. Softly he tried it; it
gave, and the door opened. Kenneth was by then beside him. He paused to
look