Now, by command, the masses parted and fell aside, and the king saw a

Spectacle that froze the marrow in his bones. Fagots had been piled about the

two women, and a kneeling man was lighting them!

The women bowed their heads, and covered their faces with their hands; the

Yellow flames began to climb upward among the snapping and crackling

Fagots, and wreaths of blue smoke to stream away on the wind; the clergyman

Lifted his hands and began a prayer — just then two young girls came flying

Through the great gate, uttering piercing screams, and threw themselves upon

The women at the stake. Instantly they were torn away by the officers, and one

Of them was kept in a tight grip, but the other broke loose, saying she would

Die with her mother; and before she could be stopped she had flung her arms

about her mother's neck again. She was torn away once more, and with her

Gown on fire.

Two or three men held her, and the burning portion of her gown was

Snatched off and thrown flaming aside, she struggling all the while to free

Herself, and saying she would be alone in the world now, and begging to be

Allowed to die with her mother. Both the girls screamed continually, and

Fought for freedom; but suddenly this tumult was drowned under a volley of

Heart-piercing shrieks of mortal agony. The king glanced from the frantic