A frightful pallor came over his damp visage at this threat, and under his heavy black moustache he faltered out—
''Tis the name of the Emperor.'
'Mathias?'
'Yes.'
'And the countersign?'
Again he delayed.
'Quick—quick.'
'Vienna.'
'Good—now I have done with you, until your arm is cured, and we can meet again in our helmets, and under better auspices; and then—dog, coward, and murderer—be wary of the worthless life a mistaken humanity causes me to spare to-day!'
Regardless of his broken arm, and of the sickening agony it caused him, I bound his hands behind him by his waist-belt. I then tore his scarf in two; tied his heels by one half, and with the other gagged him, in such a position, that he could neither summon aid nor give an alarm. I then possessed myself of his violet-coloured velvet mantle, and broad Spanish hat, and tearing out the scarlet plume by which it might be recognised, armed with his poniard and pistol, I left the chamber.