Ralph, as I leave your arms, so shall I return to them, whether it be
in Heaven or upon earth. That man thinks he has power over me, but I say
that he has none, seeing that at the last God will protect me with His
hand, or with my own."

"I cannot blame you, Suzanne, for there are some things which are not to
be borne. Do therefore as your conscience teaches you, if you have the
means."

"I have the means, Ralph. Hidden about me is a little knife which I have
carried since I was a child; and if that fails me there are other ways."

"Time is done," said Swart Piet, replacing the watch in his pocket.

"Farewell, sweet," whispered Ralph.

"Farewell, husband," she answered bravely, "until we meet again, whether
it be here on earth or above in Heaven; farewell until we meet again,"
and she flung her arms about his neck and kissed him.

For a moment Ralph clung to her muttering some blessing above her bowed
head; then he unloosed her clasping arms, letting her fall gently upon
the ground and saying: "Lie thus, shutting your ears and hiding your
eyes till all is done. Afterwards you must act as seems best to you.
Escape to your father if you can, if not--tell me, do you understand?"

"I understand," she murmured, and hid her face in a tuft of thick grass,
placing her hands upon her ears.

Ralph bowed his head for an instant in prayer. Then he lifted it and