LOUIS DUVAL.

which could not by any possibility be seen from witn-
out.
 Suddenly they heard a slight rustling at the
entrance of the cave, which was in the very thickest of
the forest, and was overgrown with brushwood and
brambles, and at the sound, the Count started to his feet.
 "We are discovered, then, after all," he said;
"but they shall not take us without a struggle;" and
he drew a pistol from his breast.
 But he did not fire it; for before he could discern
the intruder, Louis-for he it was-was at his feet.
 "I guessed I might find you here," he said; "and
I am here alone to seek you, and, if possible, to save you."
 "It is not possible, Louis," replied the Count,
gloomily, "we are perishing even now with hunger.
Look at that dear one, and judge what her sufferings
must have been."
 The youth looked with eager compassion at the
slight and shrunken form of his former protectress,
who had sunk, at his first entrance, upon a couch of
dry leaves and withered grass.
 In a moment, Louis had emptied from his pockets
a flask of wine and several small loaves. Take these
now," he said; there is more provision in the boat. I
will run and fetch it."
 "1 Stay, young man," said the Count sternly: you
are about to betray us. You shall not leave this cave
alive."
 Can you think thus of me ?" exclaimed Louis,
with tears in his eyes. Can I ever have forgotten
your kindness, and that of madame, when once I was
near perishing, and had none besides to care for me ?"
 "No-no," said the Countess, speaking for the
first time, "there is good faith in Louis; he will not
betray us. Let him go unhurt, dear husband."