"He will; but in consideration of this immense sacrifice, he demands certain things which I am charged to communicate to you."
"Tell me," said M. H——, "what he asks."
"We will talk of that hereafter. I, however, propose to you an honest bargain, and you will not be called on to pay the price until the service shall have been performed. I therefore come to ask you not for a reward, but for one word."
"A word?"
"A word, a promise, and an oath."
"If it be compatible with my duties."
"Certainly!" said the stranger. "We conspirators are honest people enough, but we are prudent, and used to secrecy. We never make revelations without exacting a double security."
"That of honor!"
"And displaying the dagger as the certain reward of treachery."
"Stop, sir!" said M. H——, rising, and evidently enraged at the daring of the stranger. "You forget where you are; no one but myself makes threats here; assume, therefore, another tone; for sorry as I should be not to avail myself of your offers, I must, if you persist, terminate our interview at once. But," continued he, "what is required of me?"