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

326 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
of their betrayal. It was probable that his
own arrest had been designed beforehand
but who could have revealed Ardoine's
counsel ? The Marquis must have captured
her. But, then, he would not have placed
her on the rack, and his whole manner in
the dungeon indicated surprise on his part.
E chard stopped suddenly. Some faint
screams were just audible. He wrung his
hands at the thought that Ardoine might
be now undergoing torture. She might be
a corpse. Oh that he knew the truth, and
then he might dash his brains out against
the dungeon walls. In the midst of his
agony his hand rested against the inscrip-
tion which he had noticed before. These
words spake with authority, as if they were
not the utterances of men but of God. That
holy name was not unknown to him, and
the merit ascribed to the Saviour's blood
seemed so full and perfect that he would
throw his soul upon it alone. He would make
his peace with God, and prepare for death.
;