"Too late, M'seur," he said meaningly. "They are waiting up there now.
It is impossible for you to escape."
"That is what I thought about you," replied Howland, forcing himself to
speak coolly. "How did you manage it?"
"They came up to free me soon after they got you, M'seur. I am grateful
to you for thinking of me, for if you had not told them I might have
stayed there and starved like a beast in a trap."
"It was Meleese," said Howland. "I told her."
Jean dropped his head in his hands.
"I have just come from Meleese," he whispered softly. "She sends you her
love, M'seur, and tells you not to give up hope. The great God, if she
only knew--if she only knew what is about to happen! No one has told
her. She is a prisoner in her room, and after that--after that out on
the plain--when she came to you and fought like one gone mad to save
you--they will not give her freedom until all is over. What time is
it, M'seur?"
A clammy chill passed over Howland as he read the time.
"Half-past four."
The Frenchman shivered; his fingers clasped and unclasped nervously as
he leaned nearer his companion.
"The Virgin bear me witness that I wish I might strike ten years off my
life and give you freedom," he breathed quickly.
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