"The left ear," continued the Jesuit coldly. The smith carried out the order. The mutilated soldier smiled.
"Monk, it is shameful!" said Bertel, who was lying close by. "Kill us, if you like, but do it quickly!"
"Who has said that I intend to kill you?" replied the Jesuit, smirking. "Never; it entirely depends upon yourself whether you regain your freedom this very night."
"What do you ask of me?"
"You are a brave young man, Lieutenant Bertel! I am sorry that the king so shamefully and unjustly deprived you of your rank, which you had gained with your blood."
"Are you really sorry? And what then?"
"If I was in your place I should take revenge."
"Take revenge? Oh yes, I have thought of it."
"You belong to Gustaf Adolf's life-guards. Do you know, young friend, what the Catholic princes would give to anyone who brought the king, dead or alive, into their power?"
"How could I know that, holy father?"