Before they had gone ten yards, however, Pereira waddled towards them after a hasty consultation with one of his captains.
"Seize that man," he shouted; "he has killed the worthy Dom Xavier: having first insulted him, he has slain him by violence, and he must answer for it." A dozen ruffians sprang forward at his bidding, only to be met by the sabre and pistol of Otter, with neither of which were they anxious to make a closer acquaintance.

Leonard saw that the position was very grave, and a thought came into his mind.

"You wish to escape from this place, Father ?" he said rapidly to the priest.
"Yes," answered Francisco, "it is a hell." "Then lead me as swiftly as you may to that bridge; I am hurt and weak, but there is succour beyond." As he spoke the drawbridge, which was not ten yards away, fell with a crash.
"Run across, Juanna Rodd," cried Leonard in English.
She hesitated, then obeyed.

It seemed to Leonard that the look upon her face said, "How can I leave you ?" "Now, Father," said Leonard, "make a rush for it," and leaning on the priest's shoulder he stumbled towards the bridge.

But he would never have reached it had it not been for Otter.
"Treason!" roared Pereira; "stop him! Who let down the bridge ?" A man came on the attack; it was the same young captain that Leonard had offered to fight before the auction.