it if I must
leave you to die. Never! never! Now, may God do so to me, and more
also, if aught but death part thee and me--that is, till we escape
and are out of danger. We must escape together. You shall never lay
down your life for me."

Talbot spoke with the air of one whose resolution was immovable.
Brooke's agitation was intense.

"Talbot," he cried, "you are mad. You don't know these men. They are
remorseless fiends. They will wreak their vengeance on you as well as
on me."

"Let them," said Talbot, firmly.

"I tell you," cried Brooke, in vehement tones, "that I have a duty to
perform and a battle to fight. I have to be constant until death to
my duty; but if you stay by me--if you remain--if you are still in
peril--oh, Talbot! I shall be false to my duty--for your sake."

"No, Brooke," said Talbot, "you will never be false to your duty for
my sake. You will be true, and I will stand by you. You shall never
see me deserting you. If you have any friendship for me, you will be
glad to see your friend by your side in the hour of your trial."

"It's not that--it's not that!" cried Brooke. "Good heavens! you will
not understand. Do you not see that if you remain you will soon be
alone in the world, and then--who will defend you?"

"I understand well what you mean," said Talbot, firmly. "You expect
to die, and do not wish to leave me here alone among these ruffians.
Never fear for me. Heaven will protect me. But you must know this
well, and I say it once for all, I will not leave you. I cannot be
false or dishonorable. I can die. Yes, Brooke, I can die, for I
remember how you told me that I am an English lad. We Talbots have
given up our lives in every generation for what we believe to be the
good cause; and the last of the Talbots can die gladly rather than
desert a friend."

Brooke turned away. A sob burst from him. In vain he tried to
restrain it. Then there followed an exceedingly bitter cry.

"Talbot! Talbot! By heaven, you'll break my heart!"

"Oh, Brooke!" cried Talbot, "be calm--oh, be calm! I say to you, as
you said to me, be calm _for my sake_; for if you lose your
self-control I shall break down utterly."

CHAPTER XXIII.

IN WHICH BROOKE AND TALBOT EXCHANGE CONFIDENCES.

After some time Brooke grew calmer.

"And now," said Talbot, "tell me all that took place between you and
this officer, for I have not understood."

Brooke told her all.

"And why can't you do what he asks?" s