The man dropped the oars, folded his arms, and replied,—
"To kill you."
"As you please!" replied the old man.
The man raised his voice.
"Prepare yourself."
"For what?"
"To die."
"Why?" inquired the old man.
A silence followed. For a moment the question seemed to abash the man. He continued,—
"I tell you that I mean to kill you."