The monster emerged from beneath the altar, revealing his thick-set, muscular limbs, his wild, blood-stained dress, his hooked hands, and his heavy stone axe.
“It is I,” he cried, with a growl like that of a wild beast.
“And I,” answered Ordener.
“I expected you.”
“I did more,” replied the bold young man; “I sought you out.”
The brigand folded his arms.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Yes.”
“And you are not frightened?”
“Not now.”