"Are you my enemy?"
"Yes, I am your enemy."
"What is your name?"
"That does not concern you; you will find out if you kill me."
"And what if I don't choose to kill you?" he cried, shrugging his shoulders and struggling to appear self-possessed.
"In that case you will allow me to kill you," I replied, "for I give you my word that one of us two is destined to remain here to-night."
"You are a villain," he cried, making frantic efforts to escape. "Help! help!"
"That is quite useless," I said; "the noise of the waves drowns your voice, and you are a long way from human help. Keep quiet, or I will strangle you. Don't lose your temper, but make the most of the chances of safety I give you. I propose to kill you, not murder you. You know what that means. Fight with me, and do not compel me to take advantage of my superior strength, which must be evident to you."
As I spoke, I shook him by the shoulders and made him bend like a reed, although he was a full head taller than I. He realized that he was at my mercy, and tried to argue with me.
"But, signor," he said, "if you are not mad, you must have some reason for fighting with me. What have I done to you?"