the panel and whispered a word into the ear of Soa, who
uttered a command. Instantly the two executioner priests flung Leonard
on to his back upon the ground, an easy task seeing that his legs were
fastened with ropes, and dragged him forward until his head hung over
the oubliette-like hole. Then they paused as though waiting for some
further order. Nam drew Juanna some few paces away from the door.

"What is your word now, Shepherdess?" he said. "Is the man to die or be
saved? Speak swiftly."

Juanna glanced through the opening and saw that now Leonard's head and
shoulders had vanished down the oubliette, while one of the priests held
him by the ankles, watching Soa for the sign to let him fall.

"Loose him," said Juanna faintly. "I will marry Olfan."

Stepping forward, Nam whispered to Soa, who issued another order.
Thereupon the priests drew Leonard from his perilous position, and,
unwillingly enough, rolled him to the side of the cell, for they would
have preferred to be rid of him. At that moment also the shutter was
closed.

"I said _loose him_," repeated Juanna; "now the man lies unable to move
like a fallen tree, on the ground."

"No, Shepherdess," replied Nam; "perchance you may yet change your mind,
and then it would be troublesome to bind him afresh, for he is very
strong and violent. Listen, Shepherdess; when Olfan comes presently to
ask your hand, you must say nothing of that man yonder, for he deems
him to be dead, and the moment you speak of him he will be dead. Do you
understand?"

"I understand," answered Juanna, "but at least the gag might be taken
from his mouth."

"Fear not, Shepherdess, it shall be done--when you have spoken with
Olfan. And now, at what hour will it be your pleasure to see him?"

"When you will. The sooner it is finished the better."

"Good. My daughter," he added to Soa, who just then entered the cell,
"be pleased to make fire, and then summon the king Olfan, who waits
without."

Soa departed upon her errand, and, overcome with terror which she would
not show, Juanna sank upon the couch, hiding her face in her hands. For
a while there was silence, then the door opened again and, heralded by
Soa, Olfan, the king, stood before her.

"Be careful, Shepherdess," whispered Nam as they entered; "one word--and
the Deliverer dies."

CHAPTER XXXV

BE NOBLE OR BE BASE

For a while there was silence, then Juanna looked up, searching Olfan's
face with her eyes. Nothing w