The tall monk laughed derisively.
“You know that your life is in my power,” he said, “and therefore you threaten mine. Well, e'en take it, if you can.”
As he spoke, he drew a sword from beneath his robe, and stood upon his defence. After a few passes, Norris's weapon was beaten from his grasp.
“You are now completely at my mercy,” said the monk, “and I have nothing to do but to call the guard, and declare all I have heard to the king.”
“I would rather you plunged your sword into my heart,” said Norris.
“There is one way—and only one—by which my secrecy may be purchased,” said the monk.
“Name it,” replied Norris. “Were it to be purchased by my soul's perdition, I would embrace it.”
“You have hit the point exactly,” rejoined the monk drily. “Can you not guess with whom you have to deal?”
“Partly,” replied Norris “I never found such force in mortal arm as you have displayed.”
“Probably not,” laughed the other: “most of those who have ventured against me have found their match. But come with me into the park, and you shall learn the condition of my secrecy.”