Of such stuff was Nicephorus made.

Yet it was too late, or would have been, for as I entered the place his hands slipped from the thin cord, which tightened round his throat, choking him.
My sword was at my side.

Drawing it, with a blow I cut the rope and caught him in my arms.

Already he was swooning, but I poured water over his face, and, as his neck remained unbroken, he recovered his breath and senses.
"What play is this, Prince ?" I asked.
"One that you taught me, General," he answered painfully.

"You said that death could be found.