"Be careful, little sparrow!" he said. "A second time and I will crush
you! I'm going now," he said, turning to the Professor. "In half an
hour we will come and you will tell us which you prefer -- death or
safe conduct." He bowed. "Good-bye for a little, Mees Evelyn, he said
and closed the door behind him.

Evelyn threw herself on her father's shoulder and burst into sobs.
"Oh, father, father, what shall we do?" she cried.

The Professor was silent, then he said, "Well, my dear, I actually
believe that young man meant what he said."

"Of course he did!" sobbed Evelyn.

"In that ease," said the Professor firmly, "I would as lief be dead as
to have the work of a lifetime destroyed by those rascals."

He hastened to the table and took up the portfolio enclosing his book.
"It's all here," he said after a glance.

"But father, whatever they do to you, they are going to keep me here.
What will I do? What will I do?"

She ran to the windows and looked out. It was just as they had been
told. The casements were heavily barred and there was but one door,
the one through which the officers had passed. The walls were paneled
half way up with old oak. The room was solid as a dungeon. There was
not a chance for escape. In a few minutes the soldiers would return
and tear her father from her.