Friends sure
enough! Now then our booty is certain. Away! Lads, Away! Lead them
to the Barn; You know what is to be done there.'

Robert hastened to open the door of the Cottage.

'But first,' said Jacques, taking up his arms; 'first let me dispatch
these Sleepers.'

'No, no, no!' replied his Father; 'Go you to the Barn, where your
presence is wanted. Leave me to take care of these and the Women
above.'

Jacques obeyed, and followed his Brother. They seemed to converse with
the New-Comers for a few minutes: After which I heard the Robbers
dismount, and as I conjectured, bend their course towards the Barn.

'So! That is wisely done!' muttered Baptiste; 'They have quitted their
Horses, that They may fall upon the Strangers by surprise. Good! Good!
and now to business.'

I heard him approach a small Cupboard which was fixed up in a distant
part of the room, and unlock it. At this moment I felt myself shaken
gently.

'Now! Now!' whispered Marguerite.

I opened my eyes. Baptiste stood with his back towards me. No one
else was in the room save Marguerite and the sleeping Lady. The Villain
had taken a dagger from the Cupboard and seemed examining whether it
was sufficiently sharp. I had neglected to furnish myself with arms;
But I perceived this to be my only chance of escaping, and resolved not
to lose the opportunity. I sprang from my seat, darted suddenly upon
Baptiste, and clasping my hands round his throat, pressed it so
forcibly as to prevent his uttering a single cry. You may remember
that I was remarkable at Salamanca for the power of my arm: It now
rendered me an essential service. Surprised, terrified, and
breathless, the Villain was by no means an equal Antagonist. I threw
him upon the ground; I grasped him still tighter; and while I fixed him
without motion upon the floor, Marguerite, wresting the dagger from his
hand, plunged it repeatedly in his heart till He expired.

No sooner was this horrible but necessary act perpetrated than
Marguerite called on me to follow her.

'Flight is our only refuge!' said She; 'Quick! Quick! Away!'

I hesitated not to obey her: but unwilling to leave the Baroness a
victim to the vengeance of the Robbers, I raised her in my arms still
sleeping, and hastened after Marguerite. The Horses of the Banditti
were fastened near the door: My Conductress sprang upon one of them.
I followed her example, placed the Baroness before me, and spurred on
my Horse. O