When he saw me do this, his head sank upon his breast.
“Brother,” murmured he, “you promised that you would never doubt me when you heard me sing that song. My brother, have you forgotten your promise?”
Rage restored the power of speech to me.
“Monster,” exclaimed I, “do I see you at last! Butcher, murderer of my uncle, ravisher of Marie, dare you call me your brother? Do not venture to approach me.”
I forgot that I was too securely tied to make the slightest movement, and glanced to my left side as though to seek my sword.
My intention did not escape him, and he continued in a sorrowful tone of voice—
“No, I will not come near you—you are unhappy and I pity you; whilst you have no pity for me, though I am much more wretched than you are.”
I shrugged my shoulders; he understood my feelings, and in a half dreamy manner continued—
“Yes, you have lost much; but, believe me, I have lost more than you have.”
But the sound of our conversation had aroused the negro guard. Perceiving a stranger they leapt to their feet, and seized their weapons; but as soon as they recognized the intruder they uttered a cry of surprise and joy, and cast themselves at his feet, striking the ground with their foreheads.