Moloch took a stool immediately opposite the pair, where he could gaze at will upon the new beauty.
When all were seated the feast began. Satan gave his whole attention to Sybil, whom he treated with tender deference.
As the supper progressed and the wine passed around, the men, under the exhilarating influence, grew merry and talkative.
"Hope the beaks'll have a good time up at the old Haunted Chapel to-day! This is the second day they've been there looking for us! And oh! didn't they think they'd struck a rich lead when they found that swell Berners up there! They thought they had got his wife too, for certain! That's what's brought them back to-day! they know they can't find us there; but they hope to find her," said one of the robbers.
But his speech was not received with general favor. And when he stupidly pursued the theme, not understanding the menacing look of Satan, one of his companions dug an elbow in his side, and called out:
"Stow all that, you stupid donkey! Don't you see the lady you are talking about is at the table?"
The rebuke was almost as bad as the offense had been; but it had its effect in silencing the talkative offender.
But good-humor was soon restored. The walnuts were placed upon the table with the dessert, and many compliments were passed upon the pretty hands that had gathered them for the feast.
But just in the midst of their merry-making the whole party were startled by a tremendous explosion, that seemed to shake the mountain side.
All sprung to their feet, and stood gazing in amazement at each other until the echoes of the thunder died away. There was silence for a moment after, and then Moloch suddenly burst into a peal of laughter, in which he was soon joined by all his companions, with the exception of Satan, who sat frowning upon them.