The other answered with a savage sneer.
“You must give it to me!” the young man repeated in tones of thunder.
“Are you accustomed to issuing orders to buffaloes and bears?” replied the monster, still sneering.
“I would give this command to the very Devil in hell.”
“You may do so ere long, if you like.”
Ordener drew his sword, which gleamed in the darkness like a flash of lightning.
“Obey me!”
“Nay,” cried Hans, brandishing his axe; “I might have broken your bones and sucked your blood when you first appeared, but I restrained my wrath; I was curious to see the sparrow attack the vulture.”
“Wretch,” exclaimed Ordener, “defend yourself!”
“’Tis the first time I was ever told to do so,” muttered the brigand, gnashing his teeth.