"There are no
signs of a struggle," remarked the most observant.
"We must go carefully here, for they may have been imprisoned in the
ruin. You stay here, and I'll go forward," he added, with a hand on his
sword. "I've an idea they're here. We have one chance, my lads, and
let's keep our heads. If anything should happen to me, have a try
yourselves, and see what you can do. The ladies must be freed, if
they're there. There's not one of you that won't stand by to the last,
but I want your oath upon it. By the heads or graves of your mothers,
lads, you'll see it through? Up with your hands!"
Their hands went up. "By our mothers' heads or graves!" they said in low
tones.
"Good!" he replied. "I'll go on ahead. If you hear a call, or a shot
fired, forward swiftly."
An instant later he plunged into the woods to the right of the road, by
which he would come upon the ruins from the rear. He held a pistol as he
stole carefully yet quickly forward. He was anxious there should be no
delay, but he must not be rash. Without meeting anyone he came near the
ruins. They showed serene in the shade of the trees.
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