“I cannot die; I cannot die. For the love of Almighty God, spare my life, your Majesty. Oh God, oh God!”
“Stand up,” I thundered; and he winced and shrank and quivered at my voice. An abject, terror-struck craven, he was at once pitiable and hateful even to look at. His very voice refused to obey him as he gasped and gurgled in his effort to speak; but at length he stammered—
“I have lied to you; but spare my life, and I will tell the truth now. I will, I will, as God is my judge.”
“Quick then, for my finger itches with impatience.”
“We three came alone, as I said, your Majesty; but a number of the others were to follow us as soon as possible, in case of the scheme failing and help being needed.”
“How many?”
“I—I don’t know. Eight or ten, or twelve perhaps.”
I laid the pistol down.
“You have saved your life for the while,” I said. “As for the rest, it will depend upon what occurs here.”
The rush of relief at my words was too great for his overstrung nerves, and he fainted. I called the servants and ordered them to restore him, and then bind him and put him in a place of safety.