AN ATTEMPT AT ESCAPE The seriousness of my situation was clearly apparent, yet what could I do in order to save myself?
My word was pledged, and it was evident the girl had no intention of betraying my presence.

But would she come to me?
Would she give me the opportunity of escape?
It must be accomplished now if at all, before Le Gaire returned, or had time to complete his round of the pickets.

Every instant of delay robbed me of a chance--and my life hung in the balance.

There was little doubt as to that; I could advance no military reason for being treated other than as a spy, and my fate would be the short shift meted out to such over the drum-head.

All this swept through my brain as I listened to the hoofs of Le Gaire's horse pound the gravel outside, the sound dying away in the distance.
The sentinel marched slowly past the window, his figure silhouetted against the red glow of a camp-fire inside the gate.