No, he would not die thus and leave the girl helpless.

Where was it?
He was blind, he could see nothing but her white face.

He must get free--ah, he knew now! They thought that he was spent: see! his head fell, when suddenly he lifted himself and heaved up his arm.
Crash it came full on the forehead of Xavier, that in its turn was pillowed on the stony earth.

The grip slackened.

Crash again, a fearful and despairing blow! Leonard's throat was free, and the air rushed into his bursting lungs.