For two days in the midst of great perils I have been preserved by His hand and fed by His bounty, and I am told that I shall live if, in this matter, I do the will of those who hold me in their power.

But be assured--and hearken all," he continued, lowering his voice to a sterner note.

"Rather than marry this woman to this man against her will--if indeed in His sight such marriage can be--rather than save my life by such base compliance, I will die not once but ten times! See.

I am ready! I will make no defence!" And he opened his arms as if to welcome the stroke.

"If there be trickery here, if there has been practising below, where they told me this and that, it shall not avail! Until I hear from Mademoiselle's own lips that she is willing, I will not say over her so much as Yea, yea, or Nay, nay!" "She is willing!" La Tribe turned sharply, and beheld the speaker.