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THE AMETHYST RING.
The topmost branches of the tree, protruding through the window, rendered the centre of the room untenable, so Malartic and his three aids ranged themselves two and two against the wall on either side of it, armed with pistols and swords--ready to give the assailants a warm welcome.
"You had better retire, my lord duke, or else put on a mask," whispered Malartic to the young nobleman, "so that you may not be seen and recognised in this affair." "What do I care ?" cried Vallombreuse, flourishing his sword.

"I am not afraid of anybody in the world--and besides, those who see me will never go away from this to tell of it." "But at least your lordship will place this second Helen in some safe retreat.

A stray bullet might so easily deprive your highness of the prize that cost so dear--and it would be such a pity." The duke, finding this advice judicious, went at once over to where Isabelle was standing beside Chiquita, and throwing his arms round her attempted to carry her into the next room.

The poor girl made a desperate resistance, and slipping from the duke's grasp rushed to the window, regardless of danger, crying, "Save me, de Sigognac! save me!" A voice from without answered, "I am coming," but, before he could reach the window, Vallombreuse had again seized his prey, and succeeded in carrying her into the adjoining room, closing and bolting the stout oaken door behind him just as de Sigognac bounded into the chamber he had quitted.