"I've thought it over."
"Well, think it over again. You'll come round, never fear."
The officer smiled as he went out. Bob spent the rest of the day in tramping his cell, which was very cold, looking out of the window, and wishing that they would not prolong his suspense. He expected to receive another visit from the officer before night, but saw no more of him until breakfast-time next morning.
"Well," said the Russian as he entered, "have you taken my advice?"
"No."
"Still obstinate! Your execution is fixed for to-morrow morning—the general gives you a long rope first, you see."
"That's a pleasant jest."
"Well, it's a pity for a young fellow like you to be so absurdly obstinate. You've only to mention a couple of names and give us a few particulars about men who can't possibly be of any interest to you, and—"
"Excuse me; I am in the Japanese service."
"Nonsense, you're an Englishman. What have you in common with the race of venomous conceited dwarfs who have dared to measure themselves against the might of an empire like ours?"