On
one condition you are free. I have the means of your escape at
hand."
"Name the condition," said the prisoner, though without exhibiting
the least interest.
"There is a vessel which will sail for America with the morning
tide; swear if I liberate you that you will take passage in her, and
never return to this island."
"Never!" said the soldier, firmly. "I will never leave those I love
so dearly."
"You refuse these terms?" continued the general, in a hoarse tone of
voice.
"I do, most unhesitatingly. Life would be nothing to me if robbed of
its brightest hope."
"You will not consider this for a moment? it is your only chance."
"I am resolved," said Lorenzo Bezan; "for more than one reason I am
determined."
"Then die for your obstinacy," said General Harero, hoarse with rage
and disappointment.
Thus saying, General Harero descended into the secret passage from
whence he had just emerged, and replacing the stone above his head,
the prisoner heard the grating of the rusty bolts and bars as they
were closed after him. They grated, too, most harshly upon his
heart, as well as upon their own hinges, for they seemed to say,
"thus perishes your last hope of reprieve-your last possibility of
escape from the fate that awaits you.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113