He sped,
and in a space that even to Arctura seemed short, was back. There
was no time to use the file: he attacked the staple, and drew it
from the bed-post, then wound the chain about her arm, and tied it
there.
He had already made up his mind what to do with her. He had been
inclined to carry her away from the house: Doory would take care of
her! But he saw that to leave the enemy in possession would be to
yield him an advantage. Awkward things might result from it! the
tongues of inventive ignorance and stupidity would wag wildly! He
would take her to her room, and there watch her as he would the
pearl of price!
"There! you are free, my lady," he said. "Now come."
He took her hands, and she raised herself wearily.
"The air is so stifling!" she said.
"We shall soon have better!" answered Donal.
"Shall we go on the roof?" she said, like one talking in her sleep.
"I will take you to your own room," replied Donal. "--But I will not
leave you," he added quickly, seeing a look of anxiety cloud her
face, "--so long as your uncle is in the house."
"Take me where you will," rejoined Arctura.
There was no way but through the crypt: she followed him without
hesitation. They crept through the little closet under the stair,
and were in the hall of the castle.
As they went softly up the stair, Donal had an idea.
"He is not back yet!" he said: "we will take the key from the oak
door; he will think he has mislaid it, and will not find out that
you are gone.
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