"Nay, leave him to rot in the woods—if the wolves and wild cats do not bury him first."
And they took their course for Wallingford, placing their prisoner behind a horseman, to whom they bound him, binding also his legs beneath the belly of the horse.
After a little while Malebouche turned to Osric—
"What dost thou expect when our lord returns?"
"Death. It is not the worst evil."
"But what manner of death?"
"Such as may chance; but thou knowest he will not torture me."
"He may hang thee."
"Wait and see. Thou art a murderer thyself, for whom hanging is perhaps too good. God may have worse things in store for thee. Thou hast committed murder and sacrilege to-day."
"Sacrilege?"