“Brothers,” he said, with some emotion, “a great danger is providentially averted. All are here!”
Something in his look suppressed the mighty shout almost ere it left the throats of the shouters.
“You said, monsieur,” he continued, turning his eyes upon O’Hagan, “that you would denounce to us a traitor. I do not know who you are nor whence you come; but you have to-night done that which shows you a friend. You have saved the lives—and more than the lives—of some who never forget, and who will be grateful while they have hearts that beat. Your actions prove you: your words shall be respected. Name the traitor amongst us, monsieur.”
The simple dignity of the old man’s speech and manner impressed me immensely, but the eyes that glared from all around the table were not pleasant to see.
“For what I have done,” said O’Hagan slowly, “I claim a reward: the immunity of the man I shall denounce!”
The necessity for the words was rendered evident by the negative yell which answered them; it was, however, immediately checked by the President.
“The reward you claim is a high one, monsieur,” he said, “and wholly contrary to the rules of our Order! But the service you have rendered is beyond all human recompense. Therefore I grant your request.”
Some few murmurs arose; but a glance from the fiery old eyes restored complete silence.
“The traitor,” announced O’Hagan, “is called Casimir!”
“You lie!” screamed a man wearing a short, red beard, leaping madly to his feet. “Curse you! you lie!”