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he would suffer her to return to her friends

He s to reply, when his attention was

called off by a distant noise; and, while he listened, he grasped the

arm of Blanche more firain shrieked for help

The approaching sounds called the ruffians from the other part of the

chamber 'We are betrayed,' said they; 'but let us listen a moment,

perhaps it is only our comrades come in from the mountains, and if so,

our work is sure; listen!'

A distant discharge of shot confirmed this supposition for anearer, the clashing of

swords, roans, were distinguished in the avenue leading to the chamber While

the ruffians prepared their arms, they heard themselves called by some

of their comrades afar off, and then a shrill horn was sounded without

the fortress, a signal, it appeared, they too well understood; for three

of the the Lady Blanche to the care of the fourth, instantly

rushed from the chamber