Thereupon Uros rushed upon Vranic so unexpectedly, that the latter lost his balance, slipped and fell. The younger man held him down with one hand, and with the other he lifted up his dagger. Seeing himself thus overpowered:
"What, are you going to murder me like that?" he gasped out, "do you not see that I was joking? If you'll but let me go I'll swear not to say a word about the matter to anyone."
"On what will you swear?"
"On anything you like, on the holy medals round my neck."
With a jerk that almost choked the man, Uros broke the string and snatched the amulets from Vranic's neck, and presented them to him, saying:
"Now, man, swear."
Vranic took his oath.
"Now," said Uros, "swear not to harm Milena while I am away, swear not to worry her by your threats, or in any other way soever."
Vranic having sworn again, was left free to get up and go off.
When he was at a few paces from Uros he stopped, and with a scowl upon his face he muttered: