walked on as before, the lady holding the priest's arm,
and moving forward by dint of desperate exertions. So they went until
at last there appeared immediately ahead a massive tower, which
seemed to arise from behind some trees.

"There it is," said the priest. "One more effort."

But the lady could go no farther. She sank down on the ground once
more, with something like a groan.

"I can go no farther," said she, in a faint voice.

The priest made no reply, but stood for some time in silence watching
her. It was evident that he hoped for another rally of her powers,
but he was disappointed; for the lady sat with her head bowed down,
trembling, weeping, and all unnerved. Time passed, and there was no
revival of strength.

"Madame!" said the priest at length, in a harsh and constrained
voice.

At this the lady gave a sigh, and tried to raise herself, but without
success. After a useless effort she sank down again.

"Madame," said the priest, "to stay here is out of the question. We
have not much farther to go; the place of our destination is not far
off, and I am going to carry you there."

"No," said the lady, "you must not. I--I--"

"Madame," interrupted the other, "as a priest it is my duty to succor
the distressed, and even as a man I should feel bound to save you."

"It's too much for you," said the lady, faintly. "Save yourself. It's
no matter--what--becomes of--of me."

"Oh, it isn't, isn't it?" said the priest, in his dryest manner.
"Well, you will please remember that you and I are in the same boat,
and we must win or lose together. And so, as I don't intend to be
captured yet awhile, why, madame, with your permission, and begging
your pardon, I'll take the liberty of saving you in my own way. At
the same time, please remember that it's not for your sake I'm doing
this so much as for my own."

What possible meaning there might be to these last words the priest
did not explain, nor did the lady understand. In fact, there was no
time for explanation. The priest, without any more ado, raised the
lady in his arms and marched off with her.

He was not a very large man, but he was very muscular, and in
excellent training; so he trudged on at a pace which, under all the
circumstances, was really wonderful. Fortunately he did not have very
far to carry his burden. Before long he came to a grove of large
trees, which stood wide apart and admitted of an easy passage.
Traversing this, he at length reached