Earl now arose to go. Ensal stood up facing him.
"Ensal, clasp my hand in farewell," said Earl feelingly.
"Earl, knowing the mission upon which you go to-night, criminal in its utter folly, I would not for my life put my hand in yours," responded Ensal.
A flush of anger overspread Earl's face, his lip quivered and he was upon the eve of uttering some biting remark. He suppressed his anger, however, and departed, determined upon making his offering of blood. True American that he was, Ensal was determined that the offering should be the output of brains, rather than of veins.
CHAPTER XXIII.
They Grapple.
Almaville is asleep, watched by the quiet moon, now about to disappear, and the far off silent stars.