For a moment the gentle girl resigned herself to my embrace; then, freeing herself, she said, "Thank you, Dick, for thinking of my safety at such a moment, dear, but I cannot return; I _must_ go with you, not only for your own sake but for mine also.  You do not understand the ways of my people, as I do, and therefore without my help you could never make good your escape.  As for me, my father knows that there is only one person--myself--who would dare to do what I have done for you to-night; and even were I to succeed in returning to my own quarters undetected--which is exceedingly doubtful--his anger at your loss will be so great that he would assuredly condemn me to take your place at the stake.  Therefore, Dick," she concluded pleadingly, "I must either go with you, or undergo the tortures that were destined for you."