“Enough of this,” rejoined the persistent Ordener; “where is the casket that you stole from the captain?”
The little man meditated for a moment.
“By Ingulf! here’s a paltry iron box that occupies many minds. I will promise you there’ll not be so much search for that which holds your bones, if ever they be collected in a coffin.”
These words, as they showed Ordener that the robber knew the casket to which he referred, revived his hope of obtaining it.
“Tell me what you did with that casket. Is it in Count d’Ahlefeld’s possession?”
“No.”
“You lie, for you laugh.”
“Believe what you will. What matters it to me?”
The monster had assumed a mocking air which awakened Ordener’s suspicions. He saw that there was nothing to be done but to rouse him to fury if possible, or to intimidate him.
“Hear me,” said he, raising his voice; “you must give me that casket.”