The woman, running with wonderful speed in spite of her burden, began to ascend a narrow path leading up the face of a rugged cliff.
A yell of anguish from behind for a moment arrested Ferralti's rapid pursuit.

Glancing back he saw the Duke running frantically toward them, at the same time waving his arms high above his head.
"The pit!" he shouted.

"She is making for the pit.

Stop her, for the love of God!" Ferralti understood, and dashed forward again at full speed.

Tommaso also understood, for his face was white and he muttered terrible oaths as he pressed on.