And whence came the power he feared?
It could be mine only if I had touched her heart.
"I presume she may see whom she will," said I still carelessly.
"Her mother will protect her from you with my help." There was silence for a minute.

Then I said: "I will not leave here without seeing her." And a pause followed my words till the duke, fixing his eyes on mine, answered significantly: "If you leave here alive to-night, you are welcome to take her with you." I understood, and I nodded my head.
"My left arm is as sound as yours," he added; "and, maybe, better practiced." Our eyes met again, and the agreement was sealed.

The duke was about to speak again, when a sudden thought struck me.

I put my hand in my pocket and drew out the Cardinal's Necklace.

And I flung it on the table before me, saying: "Let me return that to you, sir." The duke stood regarding the necklace for a moment, as it lay gleaming and glittering on the wooden table in the bare inn parlor.