Or, if you are resolved to brave their fury, let me go, and I will take any oath you propose.

As I hope for salvation I will not betray them." "Peace!" cried Viviana, contemptuously.

"If I set you free, it is not to save you, but them." "What mean you ?" asked Tresham, hesitating.
"Question me not, but follow," she rejoined, "and tread softly, as you value your life." Tresham needed no caution on this head, and as they emerged from the trap-door in breathless silence, and he beheld the figures of his sleeping foes, he could scarcely muster sufficient courage to pass through them.

Motioning him to proceed quickly, Viviana moved towards the door, and to her surprise found it unfastened.

Without pausing to consider whence this neglect could arise, she opened it, and Tresham, who trembled in every limb, and walked upon the points of his feet, stepped forth.