, as my slave,
for one of those caresses you spurned to receive as my wife."  As he
spoke, he strained her to his breast, with the contending expressions
of wordnetdesire and revenge glaring in his eyes.  Helen shrieked at the
pollution of his lips; and as he more fiercely held her, her hand
struck against the hilt of his dagger.  In a moment she drew it, and
armed with the strength of outraged innocence, unwitting whether it
gave death or not, only hoping it would release her, she struck it into
his side.  All was the action of an instant while, as instantaneously,
he caught her wrist, and exclaiming, "Damnable traitress!" dashed her
from him, stunned and motionless to the ground.

The weapon had not penetrated far.  But the sight of his blood, drawn
by the hand of a woman, incensed the raging Soulis.  He called aloud on
Macgregor.  The two men, who yet stood without the cave, re-entered.
They started when they saw a dagger in his hand, and Helen, lying
apparently lifeless, with blood sprinkled on her garments.

Macgregor, who had personated the Scottish knight, in a tremulous voice
asked why he had killed the lady?

Soulis frowned: "Here!" cried he, throwing