When he comes up you can let go and help me if necessary; it won't matter her giving a bit of a scream then." "Now," he went on, this time speaking aloud, "if that girl makes the least noise, run her through with your sword at once.

Don't hesitate a moment." "Very well," Ralph said in the same tones.

"I will silence her, never fear." Ralph sat down close to the girl and watched her sharply.

They had fixed the shawl as well as they could, but he felt sure that by a sudden effort she could free her mouth sufficiently to scream.

She sat perfectly still; but in about three minutes he saw her suddenly throw her head back, and in an instant he clapped his hand over her mouth.
She struggled violently in spite of her bonds, and tried to bite; but with the other arm he held her head firmly, and succeeded in preventing the slightest sound escaping her.