"No," he at length said, with a start of passion, "I will not give it you. Kill me, if you like, villain!"
"Very good. You are a brave fellow. No, Excellency, I will not kill you. I am no assassin. I merely wished to give you a simple lesson and teach you not to violate the law of nations. Now, I am going to cut your bonds."
"You will not dare do so," the general said bluntly.
"Why not?" the Canadian asked.
"Because you know very well that once I am free—"
"When you are free, Excellency, you will do what you think proper. I care little what, for did I not tell you that I did not cling to life?"
The general looked at him.
"Carry out your promise," he then said.
"Directly, Excellency."
With the utmost coolness the Canadian removed the bonds which he had so carefully rolled round the general's body.