"My father?" stammered Jane, confused.
"Yes, your father. Do you not remember a man who took care of you after your mother died? The man was formerly a galley-slave named Anselmo. Before that he wore the dress of a priest. Jane Zild is the daughter of the convict of Toulon and the woman of Lyons."
"Miserable scoundrel," cried Spero, "you lie! If you have weapons, let us fight. Only one of us dare leave this room alive."
"Just my idea," said Benedetto, as he took two swords from under his cloak. "Choose, and now vogue ma galere."
"The motto is no doubt derived from your past," said Spero.
"You shall pay for that, boy," hissed Benedetto as he placed himself in position.
A hot struggle ensued, and Benedetto was finally driven against the wall.
"Wretch!" exclaimed Spero, "your life is in my hands; beg for mercy, or I shall stab you through the heart."
"I beg for mercy? Fool, you do not know what you are speaking of! I hate you—I hate your father—take my life, or, as true as I stand here, I shall take yours!"
"Then die," replied Spero, and with a quick movement he knocked Benedetto's sword out of his hand and made a lunge at him!