But the attack tarried, and while we waited Boreski came out.
“We have secured those three,” he said.
“Bring them out and shoot them,” I answered. “The others have taken mademoiselle and the Duchess.”
“It will be no good to do that.”
“Bring them out,” I rejoined fiercely; and when he hesitated I added, “Then I will;” and I went into the room.
“For God’s sake, don’t do murder,” he said, and Ivan followed in.
I paid no heed to the words, and seizing the first man I dragged him out, bound as he was, and dashed him down on the ground. The mere recourse to this brutality seemed to give relief to my rage, and I went in again and brought out another, treating him just as brutally. I was for the while both bully and coward in my frenzy.
When I got out I found Boreski speaking to some one below. I leaned forward and tried to see the speaker, and had I been able, I believe I should have shot him on the spot.
“You know whom we seek,” the man said. “Give him up to us and we will go.”
“Who are you?” asked Boreski.