ccordingly ventured out in the most guarded manner, to make
explorations. The water was but a little way below where she stood, and
when in a high stage must evidently flood the place she occupied and the
steps leading up out of it. But as the stream was now very low, she had a
fine opportunity for making observations. Stepping down to the edge of the
water, she had an excellent view of the stream both ways. The banks were
very high on each side, steep, and inaccessible; so much so, indeed, that
for a moment she was in despair of getting from her prison, now that she
had found the way out. A closer inspection of the bank where she stood
showed her the possibility of escape, by following the water's edge to some
point below or above, where the high bank receded. This was enough; all she
wanted was the bare likelihood or possibility of escape, and she would
venture all upon the trial.

Having made these hasty observations, she started back, to make
preparations for an immediate departure. When she reached the upper passage
and closed the door, she glanced at the mirror to see what was going on
without. What was her disappointment and horror, to see Duffel's image
passing before her on his way to the cave! She had hoped to get off before
his return; but now that hope was gone. She must meet him again; and to
what desperate extremities might he not proceed in the interview in which
she must now be compelled to take a part! Then she remembered that she had
left the door from her room to the passage ajar, and he might reach it
before she could get there, and revealing to him her secret, cut off her
last and only hope of escape. The thought awoke all her energies, and
dashing along the narrow way at the top of her speed, stooping as she ran,
to avoid the low places, she reached her room and closed the door of the
passage, just as she heard a knock at the other one, opening into the
larger room.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE THREAT AND ITS EXECUTION--EVELINE LOST.

Quickly arranging things in her room, and restoring the lamp to its
accustomed place, so that every article should appear in usual order and
nothing betray her secret, Eveline--the knocking at her door being just
then repeated--demanded:

"Who is there?"

"It is hardly worth your while to ask that question, when you know there
can be but one person having access to this place."

"Excuse me, sir; but I have understood that _you_ were only here by
courtesy, the ro