“That I may not say. I was privy to the plot. But I walked into the trap myself. I fear, sir, you will find a hole in your mantle.”
“You wore my cloak?” Evander asked, in wonder. “You died for me?”
“Ah, why did you not warn?” Brilliana cried.
Halfman moved his head feebly.
“I did not want to live.”
“But you shall live,” Brilliana insisted, prayed.
Halfman laughed very faintly.
“I do not think so. I am an old soldier, and—ah!”
He gave a great gasp. Then suddenly lifted himself a little and saluted Brilliana as if on parade.
“Here, my sweet warrior,” he said, clearly. He looked fixedly at Brilliana and declaimed, “I did hear you speak, far above singing.” Then his chin dropped; his head fell back on the supporting arms. Evander touched him, turned to Brilliana.