"So soon! has my time already come? I thought that it was not yet. Well, I am ready, and trust to die like a soldier!"
"Awake, Captain Bezan, awake!" said the new comer. "I have news for you!"
"News!"
"Yes."
"What possible news can there be that I can feel interested in?"
"Rise, and I will tell you," replied the other, while he shaded the lantern with his hand.
"Speak on, I am listening," replied Lorenzo Bezan, rising to his feet.
"I would speak of your liberty."
"My liberty? I am condemned to die, and do you come to mock me?"
"Be patient; the way is open, and you may yet escape from death."