Ellerey looked at him quizzically.
"Well, lad, I did not mean to hurt your feelings. You do not lack courage, and you'll grow into a stout man for rough work some day. In this expedition I cannot use you."
"I can use a sword and am a master of fence, and the sword is not the only weapon which victory hangs upon."
"Peace, Grigosie; I will give the Captain an excellent reason for taking you."
"Peace, yourself, Anton. Am I to be taken out of charity? Set me to prove my worth, Captain."
"I have no time, lad," said Ellerey, picking up his cloak. "Anton may come since we are few, but—-"
"There is a fly on the wall, Captain."
"Well, what of it? You are a strange lad."
"It is gone, I warrant; but in case I have missed—darkness."
Two revolver shots cracked in quick succession as he spoke, and the room was in darkness. Then the landlord rushed in.