The boy looked at the face bending over him, instinct with courage and a deep sympathy and brotherly love, and a strange calm and security seemed to fall upon him.  He rose to his feet, though with some difficulty, and laid his hand in Raymond’s.

“I will go with thee to the world’s end.  Be my master, and break the hated yoke of that monster of wickedness, and I will serve thee for ever.  Thou art a ministering spirit sent from Heaven.  I verily believe that thou canst free me from this slavery.”

“Kneel then and lift thy heart in prayer to the Great God of Heaven and earth,” answered Raymond, a strange sense of power and responsibility falling upon him at this moment, together with a clearer, purer perception of divine things than had ever been vouchsafed him before —­ “ay, here in this very place, polluted though it may be; for God’s presence is everywhere, and it may be He will give thee, even in this fearful chamber of abominations, that release of soul which is the right of each of His human creatures.  Kneel, and lift thy heart in prayer.  I too will pray with thee and for thee.  He will hear us, for He loves us.  Be not afraid; pray with boldness, pray with love in thine heart.  God alone can loose the bands of the thraldom which binds thee; and He wilt do it if thou canst trust in Him.”

First making the sign of the cross over the kneeling boy, and then kneeling by his side, Raymond directed his crushed spirit to rise in an act of devotion and supplication; and the child, believing that most assuredly a divine messenger had come to deliver him from the hand of his persecutor, was able to utter his prayer in a spirit of trust and hope that brought its own immediate answer in a strange calm and confidence.

“Come,” said Gaston cautiously; “we must not longer delay.  We have a long night’s ride before us, and John will be wondering what detains us this long while.”

Together they supported the feeble steps of the boy, who was passive and quiet in their hands.  He was scarce amazed by the opening of the mysterious inner door within a vaulted arch, through which he saw from time to time his captors disappear, but which was ever firmly bolted and barred upon the outer side.  He did not even hang back through dread of what might befall him if he were again recalled, as on a former occasion, by the diabolic arts of his master.  He was so firmly persuaded of the supernatural character of these visitors, that he had faith and strength to let them do with him what they would without comment, question, or remonstrance.

When they reached the outer air, after having successfully passed the secret door again, he gave one great gasp of surprise and reeled as if almost intoxicated by the sweet freshness of the spring night; but the strong arms of his protectors supported him, and hurrying along through the woodland tracks already traversed earlier in the evening, they quickly approached the appointed place just on the outskirts of the Basildene lands, where John, attended by three trusty serving men, together with the old woodman, were impatiently awaiting the return of the twins.