save his life when the day of his own trial comes."

"And do you think," said Leonard, "that I will trust her alone to
you, wicked and forsworn as you are, and to the tender mercies of your
father? No, it is better that she should die and have done with her
fears and torments."

"I did not ask you to do so, Deliverer," said Soa quietly. "You will be
taken with her, and if she lives you will live also. Is that not enough?
These men here come to bear you and Bald-pate to the dungeons: they will
bear you and the Shepherdess, knowing no difference, that is all. Now
tell him; perchance he may not be willing to accept."

"Francisco, come here," said Leonard in a low voice, speaking in
Portuguese. Then he told him all, while Soa watched them with her
glittering eyes. As the tale went on the priest turned ashen pale and
trembled violently, but before it was finished he ceased to tremble, and
Leonard, looking at his face, saw that it was alight as with a glory.

"I accept," he said in a clear voice, "for thus will it be given to me
to save the life of the Senora, and to atone for my offence. Come, let
me make ready."

"Francisco," muttered Leonard, for his emotion would not suffer him to
speak aloud, "you are a saint and a hero. I wish that I could go
through this in your stead, for most gladly would I do so, but it is not
possible."

"It seems then that there are two saints and heroes," replied the priest
gently. "But why talk thus? It is the bounden duty of either or both of
us to die for her, yet it is far better that I should die leaving you
alive to love and comfort her."

Leonard thought a moment. "I suppose it must be so," he said, "but
Heaven knows, it is a terrible alternative. How can I trust that woman
Soa? And yet if I do not trust her Juanna will be killed at once."

"You must take the chance of it," answered Francisco; "after all she is
fond of her mistress, and it was because she grew jealous that she fled
to Nam and betrayed us."

"There is another thing," said Leonard; "how are we to get Juanna away?
If once she suspects the plot, there will be an end of it. Soa, come
thither."

She came, and he put this question to her, telling her at the same time
that Francisco consented to the scheme and that Juanna slept behind the
curtain and might awake at any moment.

"I have that with me which shall overcome the difficulty, Deliverer,"
answered Soa, "for I foresaw it. See here," and she drew a small gourd