nuatingly.

The man looked up in a surly way, and growled back something.

"Do you smoke?" asked Brooke.

The man grinned.

Upon this Brooke flung down a small piece of tobacco, and then began
to address himself to further conversation. But alas for his hopes!
He had just begun to ask where the others had gone and where the man
belonged, when a flash burst forth, and a rifle ball sung past him
through the window just above his head. It was one of the other
ruffians who had done this, who at the same time advanced, and with
an oath ordered Brooke to hold no communication with the men.

"I may stand at the window and look out, I suppose?" said Brooke,
coolly.

"We have orders to allow no communication with the prisoners
whatever. If you speak another word you'll get a bullet through you."

Upon this Brooke concluded that his plan was a failure.

Evening came at length, and the darkness deepened. The band were
still absent. The men below were perfectly quiet, and seemed to be
asleep.

"I have a proposal to make," said Talbot, "which is worth something
if you will only do it."

"What is that?"

"I have been thinking about it all day. It is this: Take this
priest's dress again, and go. The priest, you know, is not a
prisoner. He stays voluntarily. He has leave to go whenever he
wishes. Now, you are the real priest, I am not. I am wearing your
dress. Take it back, and go."

Brooke looked at her for a few moments in silence. It was too dark
for her to see the look that he gave her.

At length, with his usual short laugh, he said,

"Well, that's a refreshing sort of a proposal to make, too, after all
that has passed between us!"

"Why not?" asked Talbot. "What objection is there to it?"

"Such a question," said Brooke, "does not deserve an answer."

"My plan is feasible enough, and quite safe too."

"Nonsense! And what, pray, is to become of you?"

"Never mind that. Think of yourself, Brooke, for once in your life.
To stay here is certain death for you. This is your very last
chance."

Brooke was silent for a little time.

"Well," said Talbot, "will you go?"

"Oh, Talbot! Talbot!" cried Brooke; "how can you have the heart to
make such a proposal to me? I have told you that the only thing that
moves me is the thought of your danger. Death is nothing to me; I've
faced it hundreds of times."

"It is preposterous to talk in that way!" said Talbot, excitedly. "My
danger? I deny that there is any dange