Frank started a bit, thinking how strangely the duke had been seized by pains in his heart. The Frenchman seemed to read the thoughts of his companion, and his face appeared to turn yet a shade paler than it had been.
“I have fancied that I might be able to detect the manner in which the Black Brothers do their work,” he said; “but now I fear I shall fail. The pains at my heart are terrible symptoms, and I fear I am to be the next victim.”
“Oh, no! That cannot be!”
“I have been given the sign.”
“What sign?”
“The sign of the Black Brothers! the sign of death!”
“When?”
“This is the tenth day since I received it!” whispered the duke.