They walked on, side by side, still in silence; for Gilbert's mind was wrought up to the highest pitch, and held too thrilling communion with itself to notice his companion, except at brief intervals.

But when they came within full view of the dim turrets of Stramen Castle, and the youth kept steadily advancing toward them, Humbert stopped short, and perceiving that Gilbert still advanced, he made bold to stay the rash stripling by touching his arm.
Gilbert started and stood still; then said, with cold contempt: "Do you flinch ?" "From what ?" inquired the other, calmly.
"From that mass of stone." "What have we to do with that ?" "Enter it before an hour." "And die before an hour," replied Humbert.
"Or live," said Gilbert, rather to himself than to his attendant, and resuming his rapid advance.
Humbert stood awhile, rooted to the ground, in mute amazement at his lord's inexplicable behavior.

But every moment was precious.

He sprang forward, and again seizing Gilbert's arm, he threw himself on his knees.
"My dear lord!" he exclaimed, "I conjure you in the name of your father to desist from this madness, and to return! You are rushing upon certain destruction! You are flinging away your life! Remember it is Monday! The arm of our blessed mother, the Church, cannot protect you to-day! My wife and my children will be left without a father, and the lordship of Hers without an heir!" Here the honest yeoman burst into tears, but the youth's determination was taken.

He disengaged himself from his follower's grasp, and said, resolutely, but kindly: "Return!" "And leave you to perish alone ?" cried Humbert, springing to his feet.
"No, no! I am no craven! And why should I return?
To be reproached with having seduced my lord into danger, and then basely deserted him?
If you advance, I go with you, though I cannot guess your object, or justify your seeming madness.