The colonel heard the story with many a "pish," "tush" and "pshaw," and when the man had concluded the tale he exclaimed:
"Is that all? Then we may continue our negotiations, I care not! Carry her off! marry her! do as you please with her! only at the end of all—kill her!" hoarsely whispered Le Noir.
"That is just what I intend, colonel!"
"That will do if the event be certain: but it must be certain! I cannot breathe freely while my brother's heiress lives," whispered Le Noir.
"Well, colonel, be content; here is my hand upon it! In six days Capitola will be in my power! In twelve days you shall be out of hers!"
"It is a bargain," said each of the conspirators, in a breath, as they shook hands and parted—Le Noir to his home and Black Donald to join his comrades' revelry.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BOY'S LOVE
Endearing! endearing!
Why so endearing
Are those soft shining eyes,
Through their silk fringe peering?
They love thee! they love thee!
Deeply, sincerely;
And more than aught else on earth
Thou lovest them dearly!