And, as he now for the first time observed the frenzied features, the flashing eyes, and foaming mouth of the old jailer, he said,—
“Bless the man, he is more than mad, he is furious.”
Gryphus flourished his stick above his head, but Van Baerle moved not, and remained standing with his arms akimbo.
“It seems your intention to threaten me, Master Gryphus.”
“Yes, indeed, I threaten you,” cried the jailer.
“And with what?”
“First of all, look at what I have in my hand.”
“I think that’s a stick,” said Cornelius calmly, “but I don’t suppose you will threaten me with that.”
“Oh, you don’t suppose! why not?”
“Because any jailer who strikes a prisoner is liable to two penalties,—the first laid down in Article 9 of the regulations at Loewestein:—