“Now,” he said, “I draw the sword of evil for the deed that crowns evil.” He advanced to Sard and pressed the point of the sword upon his throat.
“Do obeisance to evil,” he said, “and you shall live.”
“Apply to the marines,” Sard answered, “not to the deck department.”
“Do obeisance to evil,” Sagrado said, “and your lady-love shall be spared.”
“I will not be spared,” Margarita cried; “I defy you!”
“You dirty lunatic,” Sard said, “do your damnedest.”
“You have not said one thing yet,” Sagrado said; “that you would rather die a thousand deaths, etc. . . . Do you say that?”
“Yes,” Sard said.
“You shall, then, die a thousand deaths. And you shall beg life from me before you die the third.” He turned to the negro.
“Anoint this beast for the sacrifice,” he said.