"In a week we can come and take him out," he remarked in a matter-of-fact way. "By that time he will be dead, and we can have his grave ready."
He laughed again, as he thought of the sensations his cheerful talk must produce in the mind of the man below.
"Yes," said Malipieri. "We may as well do it at once and go to bed. It is of no use to sit up all night talking about the fellow's body. Go and get the rope and the boards."
Masin was now on his feet and his heavy shoes made a grinding noise on the stones. At that moment a sound was heard from below, and Malipieri held up a finger and listened. Somebody was moving in the vault.
"You had better stay where you are," said Malipieri, speaking down. "If you show yourself I will drop a stone on your head."
A hollow voice answered him from the depths.
"Are you Christians," it asked, "to wall a man up alive?"
"That is what we are going to do," Malipieri answered coolly. "Have you anything to say? It will not take us long to do the job, so you had better speak at once. How did you get in?"
"If I am to die without getting out, why should I tell you?" enquired the voice.
Malipieri looked at Masin.