"O, this is the noblest act of your life, Pomp!" she exclaimed, clasping
his hand with joy and gratitude.
He looked in her face. A great weight was taken from his soul. His
countenance was bright and glad.
"Do you think it was not a bitter cup for me? You have taken it from me,
and I thank you. But Bythewood must not know I have relented. We have
yet a work to do with him."
Then those who had been left behind in the cave, listening for the
death-signal, heard the report of a rifle ringing through the chambers
of rock. Not long after Pomp and Virginia returned; and Deslow was not
with them. Augustus heard--Augustus saw--nor knew he any reason why the
fate of Deslow should not presently be his own.
"Is justice done?" said Stackridge, with stern eyes fixed on Pomp.
"Is justice done?" said Pomp, turning to Virginia.
"Justice is done!" she answered, in a serious, firm voice.