The window was at a considerable height from the ground; but the rope was a long one, and I had no fear of its reaching the bottom.
Fastening it round her waist, I began to lower her from the window.
"The night was a windy one, and she swung backward and forward as she went down.

By what chance it was I know not--for I had examined the rope and found it secure--but methinks in swaying backward and forward it may have caught a sharp stone, maybe it was a punishment from Heaven upon me for robbing a father of his child--but suddenly I felt there was no longer a weight on my arms.

A fearful shriek rang through the air, and, looking out, I saw far below a white figure stretched senseless in the mud! "For a minute I stood paralyzed.

But the cry had aroused others, and, turning round, I saw a man at the door with a drawn sword.

Wild with grief and despair, and thinking, not of making my escape, or of concealing my part in what had happened, but rushing without an instant's delay to the body of her I loved so well, I drew my sword, and like a madman rushed upon him who barred the door.