The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE RACK. 261
Kim when torture or death may be the fate
of us both?"
There was at least this ray of light in
the dark hour—E chard was no deceiver,
he was a sufferer ; he had expressed his
misgivings at their last meeting, that dis-
grace or death might follow detection.
Alas ! his fears seemed too truly realized.
E chard stood motionless, gazing at
Ardoine, for his eyes dared not cheat his
heart; nor could he have refrained from
the luxury of a last fond look, though on
the rack himself. There is a member of
the body whose action most nearly re-
sembles the liberty of thought, and which
is free even in the chained slave. It is the
eye, the best vassal of the soul.
Echard and Ardoine, though both cap-
tives, exchanged glances ; but that voice-
less look condensed volumes of experience,
and was a clue to the hearts of both.
When the burning spirit pours itself like a
torrent through this narrow outlet, who