"No, no," said she, courageously, "I will not flee--I shall at least
know how to die!"
A shriek resounded from Carlo's lips, his arms relaxed and fell from his
enemy, leaving his brother free.
"Ah, finally, finally!" gasped the panting Joseph. "That was an
amusing carnival farce, my virtuous brother! Farewell! I am this time
triumphant!"
With a wild leap he sprang to the door; brandishing his bloody dagger
in his right hand, he ran through the corridor, down the stairs, and out
into the garden.
"Saved!" said he, breathing more freely. "I think this Russian will be
satisfied with me! I bring the money and the diamonds, and at the same
time have effectually opened a vein for this troublesome protector! Ah,
it seems to me I have very successfully put in practice my studies in
the high-school of the galleys!"
And, humming a jovial song, Joseph Ribas swung himself into a tree close
to the wall, and let himself down on the other side.
Above, in Natalie's chamber, Carlo long lay stretched on the floor,
pale, with the death-rattle in his throat. In a bright stream flowed the
blood from the wound made by his brother's dagger. Natalie knelt by
him. No tear was in her eye, no lamentation escaped her lips.
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