Such a horrid fact could not be; and yet my reason told me that
within thirty days my incomparable Princess would be fought over
in the arena of the First Born by those very wild beasts; that her
bleeding corpse would be dragged through the dirt and the dust,
until at last a part of it would be rescued to be served as food
upon the tables of the black nobles.
I think that I should have gone crazy but for the sound of my
approaching jailer. It distracted my attention from the terrible
thoughts that had been occupying my entire mind. Now a new and grim
determination came to me. I would make one super-human effort to
escape. Kill my jailer by a ruse, and trust to fate to lead me to
the outer world in safety.
With the thought came instant action. I threw myself upon the floor
of my cell close by the wall, in a strained and distorted posture,
as though I were dead after a struggle or convulsions. When he
should stoop over me I had but to grasp his throat with one hand
and strike him a terrific blow with the slack of my chain, which
I gripped firmly in my right hand for the purpose.
Nearer and nearer came the doomed man. Now I heard him halt before
me. There was a muttered exclamation, and then a step as he came
to my side. I felt him kneel beside me. My grip tightened upon
the chain. He leaned close to me. I must open my eyes to find
his throat, grasp it, and strike one mighty final blow all at the
same instant.
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