"Keep the chain taut, sir, I am armed; I will fire at the slightest provocation."
He stopped and laughed.
"Come, come! This is not so bad. You have been smiling in your sleep at me. Up with the lights, my dear. If Franz has engaged you for this business, let me tell you that I'm a far better fellow than he must have advertised me. But what a devil he is to rig up such an elaborate hoax! By Jove, this chain—this darkness—it's enough to turn a fellow's hair white! The black night gets on my nerves. Lights! Lights! I yearn to see you; I prophesy your beauty by your voice! Still coy? Then we'll try persuasion!"
His breast struck the muzzle of the revolver.
She said quietly: "If I move my finger a fraction of an inch you die, sir. And every word I have spoken to you is the truth."
"Well, well! You do this finely. I shall compliment Franz on rehearsing you so thoroughly. Is this the fair Daphne of whom he told me—"
And his hand touched her shoulder.
"By everything that is sacred, I will fire unless you stand back—back to the end of the chain."
"Is it possible? The Middle Ages have returned!"
He moved back until the light chain was taut.