As I re-entered the cave with my burden Nuflo sat up and stared at me with a frightened look in his eyes.

Throwing my cloak down, I placed the girl on it and briefly related what had happened.
He drew near to examine her; then placed his hand on her heart.
"Dead!--she is dead!" he exclaimed.
My own anxiety changed to an irrational anger at his words.

"Old fool! She has only fainted," I returned.

"Get me some water, quick." But the water failed to restore her, and my anxiety deepened as I gazed on that white, still face.

Oh, why had I told her that sad tragedy I had imagined with so little preparation?
Alas! I had succeeded too well in my purpose, killing her vain hope and her at the same moment.
The old man, still bending over her, spoke again.