I told him the truth--that for myself I was not afraid to die, but that I had a mother in the hills who was dependent on me, and who must starve if I were thus cut off.
"He watched me with his moody eyes, a saturnine smile about his lips.
Then of a sudden he shook with a silent mirth, whose evil, malicious depth I was far indeed from suspecting.

He asked me would I take solemn oath that if he spared my life I would never again raise my hand against him.

That oath I took with a greediness born of my fear of the death that was impending.
"'You have been wise,' said he,' and you shall have your life on one condition--that you devote it to my service.' "'Even that will I do,' I answered readily.

He turned to an attendant, and ordered him to go fetch a suit of motley.

No word passed between us until that man returned with those garish garments.