“She understands perfectly what she is doing, sir. In the first place, she has had my advice,” said Dangloss, the good old betrayer of an official trust.
“You advised her to command you to allow me to escape?”
“She commanded first, and then I advised her how to command you. Axphain may declare war a thousand times over, but you will be safe. That's all we--I mean, all she wants.”
“But I cannot desert my friend. How is he to know where I've gone? Will not vengeance fall on him instead?”
“He shall know everything when the proper time comes. And now, will you be ready at the hour mentioned. You have but to follow the instructions--I should say, the commands of the writer.”
“And be free! Tell her that I worship her for this. Tell her that every drop of blood in my body belongs to her. She offers me freedom, but makes me her slave for life. Yes, I shall be ready. If I do not see you again, good friends, remember that I love you because you love her and because she loves you enough to entrust a most dangerous secret to your keeping,--the commission of an act that may mean the downfall of your nation.” He shook hands with them fervently.
“It cannot be that, sir. It may cost the lives of three of her subjects, but no man save yourself can involve the Princess or the Crown. They may kill us, but they cannot force us to betray her. I trust you will be as loyal to the good girl who wears a crown, not upon her heart,” said Dangloss, earnestly.
“I have said my life is hers, gentlemen,” said Lorry, simply. “God, if I could but throw myself at her feet! I must see her before I go. I will not go without telling her what is in my heart!” he added, passionately.
“You must obey the commands implicitly, on your word of honor, or the transaction ends now,” said Quinnox, firmly.
“This escape means, then, that I am not to see her again,” he said, his voice choking with emotion.
“Her instructions are that you are to go tonight, at once,” said Dangloss, and the black-eyed soldier nodded confirmation.
The prisoner paced the floor of his cell, his mind a jumble of conflicting emotions. His clenched hands, twitching lips and half-closed eyes betrayed the battle that was inflicting him with its carnage. Suddenly he darted to the door, crying: