nto Vazon Forest, none remaining behind but those
absolutely incapable of conveying themselves or of being conveyed.

By this time the consternation in the enemy's camp was all that the
sorceress could desire. Jean's capture had been ascertained, and all the
particulars respecting his coming fate were known by means of spies.
Haco shook his head at the proposals of rescue made by spirited youths.
"Success would be hopeless," he said; "failure would be fatal to those
whose lives are precious to us. If he dies we will brace every nerve to
avenge him, but we must be patient, and await their onslaught. Then will
come our turn! then will we spring at their dastard throats! then shall
they drink freely of their own gore!" If the man of the sword thought
the case hopeless, what could the men of the cloister do? They did all
in their power--prayed ceaselessly, fasted, did penance under the
guidance of Father Austin; but nevertheless the fatal morning arrived.

Hilda knew her lover's danger. When he failed to return, and when Haco,
arriving from Lihou, admitted that he had not been seen at the
monastery, her heart sank; she, better than any of those around her,
knew the stern, implacable patriotism and fanaticism of Judith's
nature; she fully realized the savage dispositions of her countrymen,
their contempt of human life, and their brutal treatment of captives.
She had some conception of their fearful orgies, and she shuddered when
her mind touched, not daring to dwell, on Jean's possible fate. She had
sufficient presence of mind to bear up bravely before Haco, who had no
suspicion that she had a perception of the terrible truth from which
even his rent and seared feelings shrank; nor did she reveal to Father
Austin, during a short visit which he paid her at great risk this inner
serpent which was devouring her young heart. Sister Theresa and her
fellows marvelled at her as on the morning of the fatal day she passed
between them, her eyes rapt in contemplation, her look serene and calm,
though beneath the surface lay a depth of unutterable woe, sinking,
receding, chill as the dark, haunted, bosom of an unfathomable mountain
lake.

She sought her own cell and begged to be left alone. Then the full heart
burst the bounds imposed by the strong will. She placed before her the
little Madonna, from which she never parted, and fell on her knees. She
prayed till noon, and her prayer continued still; it was not simply a
woman's suppli