“They also wish to free the prisoner of Munkholm.”
“Is this the sole purpose of the movement?” repeated the small man in a voice which confused the stranger.
“I know of no other,” he stammered.
“Oh, you know of no other!”
These words were pronounced in the same sarcastic tone. The stranger, to hide the embarrassment which they caused him, hastily drew from beneath his cloak a heavy purse which he flung at the monster’s feet.
“Here is your pay as commander-in-chief.”
The small man spurned the purse with his foot.
“I will not have it. Do you imagine that if I wanted your gold or your blood I should wait for your permission to gratify my desire?”
The stranger made a gesture of surprise, almost of terror.
“It is a present from the royal miners.”