“I,” said Birnie.
“Administer the oath to him.”
Suddenly four men advanced, seized the visitor, and bore him from the vault into another one within. After a few moments they returned.
“He has taken the oath and heard the penalty.”
“Death to yourself, your wife, your son, and your grandson, if you betray us!”
“I have neither son nor grandson; as for my wife, Monsieur le Capitaine, you offer a bribe instead of a threat when you talk of her death.”
“Sacre! but you will be an addition to our circle, mon brave!” said Gawtrey, laughing; while again the grim circle shouted applause.
“But I suppose you care for your own life.”
“Otherwise I should have preferred starving to coming here,” answered the laconic neophyte.
“I have done with you. Your health!”