"I might do it to the one or the other," returned Hunston, caustically; "but certainly not to both, the two are so opposed."
This was just a dash too subtle for the sentry, and so Hunston passed on without further remark.
A few steps further on he came to a group formed of the brigands, gathered around Pedro, a brigand who had been of some little assistance in the rescue of Hunston, but who unlike Tomaso, had managed to escape.
He was recounting the late adventures—from his own episode in the tale—of Hunston.
Hunston walked up to the centre of the group.
"Pedro," he said, "you rescued me, and perhaps saved my life; accept my hand, and with it my eternal gratitude." Pedro stepped back. He winced instead of taking the proffered hand, and his countenance fell.
"Pardon me Hunston," he said; "I'm very glad to have been of service to you, to have been able to save a comrade, but—"
He paused.
Hunston frowned.
"But what?"