Alexander noted with a certain degree of satisfaction that the
saddle-bags were not removed by those who departed.
The blazing pine torches went out with the small procession, leaving
the cavern gloomily shadowed. The only light came now from two
lanterns--and the girl sickened with the realization that at least one
of her jailers was drunk.
As soon as the withdrawal of the chieftain brought a laxening of
discipline, he lurched over toward her and, crossing the trickle of
running water, bent forward, staring brazenly into her face.
Only his eyes were visible, but they were bestial and lecherous. After
a little he thrust out a hand and stroked the white shoulder which the
torn clothing had left bare. Instantly, in a transport of white-hot
fury, the girl sprang sidewise and sought to drag the mask from his
face. But sodden as he was, the fellow still held to his instincts of
self protection. He twisted and seized her in a violent grip,
pinioning her arms at her sides.
In Alexander's lithe body dwelt a strength quite equal to a fair fight
and had it been a fair fight she would probably have made short work of
him.
Pages:
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179