Antonio’s eyes almost leaped from his head in amaze at this interruption and greater amazement at this astounding promise; and John was swift to press his advantage:
“I’ll save your life––on one condition!”
CHAPTER XX.
THE VERDICT
“Benton!” warned Ninian Sharp, aghast at the audacity of a man who would trifle with the apparent death-hour of any man.
“Oh! that’s all right. Come around and in with me. I never yet heard a voice as lusty as that from a dying man, and I’ve been acquainted with Senor Bernal some little spell. He’s scared nigh to death––it’s just possible––but he ain’t sick nor wounded to death, or I’m mistook. Come in!”
Jessica met him at the door, and impulsively threw her arms about them at her relief in their presence. She had not been afraid of anything which could harm herself, but she had believed the man’s own statement that he was dying, and his suffering had been evidently intense at times. She had been saddened and awe-stricken, and she now shared Ninian’s indignation at the carpenter’s apparently heartless promise. How was it possible for him to bestow life where death had set its seal?
Nothing abashed by the reproachful looks cast upon him, John walked straight to the bed and demanded, in the most ordinary tone: