step,
yielding only when she saw that further obstinacy on her part would
involve Leonard's destruction. It was possible, indeed it was probable,
that everything might fail her, and in that event she must not fail
herself; in other words, although the poison had been taken from her,
she must find a means of death.

Having thought these problems out so far as it was in her power to
do, Juanna rose and began to walk up and down the cell, noting its
construction and peculiarities. Doubtless Leonard was behind yonder
door, but it was so thick that she could hear nothing of his movements.
For the rest, it seemed clear that escape was impossible. Excepting the
doors, the shaft in the rock was the only other opening that she was
able to see, but through this no child could pass, and if he might it
would be to fall into the pool of raging water.

Had Otter lived through the fight with the snake god, she wondered?
There was small chance of it, but at least he had made an end worthy of
his reputation, and she felt proud of him. And the other--Francisco. Of
him also she was proud indeed, but for herself she was ashamed, for she
knew that she had been to blame, though not designedly. Who would have
guessed that this frail timid man could prove himself such a hero, or
who could estimate the power of the unsought and unhappy love which
enabled him to conquer the fear of death?

She had been wrong to be angry with Leonard, for she knew well that, if
it could have been so, he would gladly have given his own life for hers.
Alas! it seemed that she was always wrong, for her temper was quick and
the tongue is an unruly member. They had both of them been ready to die
for her, and one of them had done so; well, now it was probable that the
tables would be turned before many hours were over, and that she would
be called upon to offer herself to save her lover. If this came about,
she would not forget the example of Francisco, but would rather try to
equal it in the heroism of her end.

The day passed slowly, and at length the gloom gathering in the little
cell told her that night was near. Before it fell, however, Soa and Nam
entered, bearing candles, which they fixed upon brackets in the walls.

"We come, Shepherdess, to hear your answer," said Nam. "Will you consent
to take Olfan for a husband, or will you not?"

"I will not consent."

"Think again, Shepherdess."

"I have thought. You have my answer."

At the words Nam seized he