Nevertheless, should we choose that path, those evils which I
have foretold shall fall upon you. Olfan, lead us hence."
The king stepped forward with his guards and the procession passed back
towards the palace solemnly and in silence, for none attempted to bar
their way. They reached it safely at exactly ten o'clock by Leonard's
watch.
"Now let us eat and drink," said Leonard when they stood alone in the
throne-room, "for we shall need all our strength to-night."
"Yes," answered Juanna with a sad smile, "let us eat and drink, for
to-morrow we die."
CHAPTER XXX
FRANCISCO'S EXPIATION
When they had finished their meal, which was about as sad an
entertainment as can well be conceived, they began to talk.
"Do you see any hope?" asked Juanna of the other three.
Leonard shook his head and answered:
"Unless the sun shines at dawn to-morrow, we are dead men."
"Then there is little chance of that, Baas," groaned Otter, "for the
night is as the nights have been for these five weeks. No wonder that
this people are fierce and wicked who live in such a climate."
Juanna hid her face in her hands for a while, then spoke:
"They did not say that any harm was to come to you, Leonard, or to
Francisco, so perhaps you will escape."
"I doubt it," he answered; "besides, to be perfectly frank, if you are
going to die, I would rather die with you."
"Thank you, Leonard," she said gently, "but that will not help either of
us much, will it? What will they do with us? Throw us from the head of
the statue?" and she shuddered.
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