‘Simply because it was I who stole her as a child and brought her here—she knows.’
Cestus nodded to Tibia.
‘Dog, if this be true!’ cried Martialis, springing on him and grasping his throat with a hand of iron.
‘That you shall see,’ choked and sputtered Cestus. ‘It is likewise only I who can restore her. You are losing time—save her first and the rest will follow.’
‘Villain, what demon possessed you to do such a heartless deed?’
‘Money!—and now I would bring her back to the living for revenge—glorious revenge!’
‘On whom?’
‘That is my concern, and mine only. Come, haste, Centurion!’
Without further parley Martialis sprang to the door.
‘Hark’ee,’ said Cestus, again catching his arm, ‘there is one man who must never know what I have told you until the proper time arrives, or else it might go hard with the girl. Beware, therefore!’