Amyas looked back too, and saw her standing calmly, with her hands folded across her breast, awaiting Eustace and the servants; and he half turned to go back also.  Both saw how fearfully appearances had put her into Eustace’s power.  Had he not a right to suspect that they were there by her appointment; that she was going to escape with them?  And would not Eustace use his power?  The thought of the Inquisition crossed their minds.  “Was that the threat which Eustace had whispered?” asked he of Frank.

“It was,” groaned Frank, in answer.

For the first and last time in his life, Amyas Leigh stood irresolute.

“Back, and stab her to the heart first!” said Frank, struggling to escape from him.

Oh, if Amyas were but alone, and Frank safe home in England!  To charge the whole mob, kill her, kill Eustace, and then cut his way back again to the ship, or die,—­what matter? as he must die some day,—­sword in hand!  But Frank!—­and then flashed before his eyes his mother’s hopeless face; then rang in his ears his mother’s last bequest to him of that frail treasure.  Let Rose, let honor, let the whole world perish, he must save Frank.  See! the negroes were up with her now—­past her—­away for life! and once more he dragged his brother down the hill, and through the wicket, only just in time; for the whole gang of negroes were within ten yards of them in full pursuit.

“Frank,” said he, sharply, “if you ever hope to see your mother again, rouse yourself, man, and fight!” And, without waiting for an answer, he turned, and charged up-hill upon his pursuers, who saw the long bright blade, and fled instantly.

Again he hurried Frank down the hill; the path wound in zigzags, and he feared that the negroes would come straight over the cliff, and so cut off his retreat:  but the prickly cactuses were too much for them, and they were forced to follow by the path, while the brothers (Frank having somewhat regained his senses) turned every now and then to menace them:  but once on the rocky path, stones began to fly fast; small ones fortunately, and wide and wild for want of light—­but when they reached the pebble-beach?  Both were too proud to run; but, if ever Amyas prayed in his life, he prayed for the last twenty yards before he reached the water-mark.

“Now, Frank! down to the boat as hard as you can run, while I keep the curs back.”

“Amyas! what do you take me for?  My madness brought you hither:  your devotion shall not bring me back without you.”

“Together, then!”

And putting Frank’s arm through his, they hurried down, shouting to their men.

The boat was not fifty yards off:  but fast travelling over the pebbles was impossible, and long ere half the distance was crossed, the negroes were on the beach, and the storm burst.  A volley of great quartz pebbles whistled round their heads.

“Come on, Frank! for life’s sake!  Men, to the rescue!  Ah! what was that?”