e
credit for having caught me, and claim the reward."

"In that case, you will not go to the castle, but to the Tower."

"Not if you obey orders. The offer of reward says that I must be
delivered to the undersigned. You will take me to her and not to the
Tower."

Quinnox smiled and threw up his hands as if unable to combat the quick
logic of his companion. Together they made their way to the prior's
cell, afterward to the Abbot's apartment. It was barely eleven o'clock
and he had not retired. He questioned Quinnox closely, bade Lorry
farewell and blessed him, sent his benediction to the Princess and
ordered them conducted to the gates.

Ten minutes later they stood outside the wall, the great gates having
been closed sharply behind them. Above them hung the silvery moon, full
and bright, throwing its refulgent splendor over the mountain top with
all the brilliancy of day. Never had Lorry seen the moon so accursedly
bright.

"Gad, it is like day," he exclaimed.

"As I told you, sir," agreed the other, reproof in his voice.

"We must wait until the moon goes down. It won't do to risk it now. Can
we not go somewhere to keep warm for an hour or so?"

"There is a cave farther down the mountain. Shall we take the chance of
reaching it?"

"By all means. I can't endure the cold after being cooped up for so
long."

They followed the winding road for some distance down the mountain,
coming at last to a point where a small path branched off. It was the
path leading down the side of the steep overlooking the city, and
upon that side no wagon-road could be built. Seven thousand feet below
stretched the sleeping, moon-lit city. Standing out on the brow of the
mountain they seemed to be the only living objects in the world. There
was no sign of life above, below or beside them.

"How long should we be in making the descent?" asked Lorry, a sort
of terror possessing him as he looked from the dizzy height into the
ghost-like dimness below.

"Three hours, if you are strong."

"And how are we to get into the castle? I hadn't thought of that."

"There is a secret entrance," said Quinnox, maliciously enjoying the
insistent one's acknowledgment of weakness. "If we reach it safely I can
take you underground to the old dungeons beneath the castle. It may be
some time before you can enter the halls above, for the secret of that
passage is guarded jealously. There are but five people who know of its
existence."

"Great confi