If I fail," here he bent his face toward that of Simon Ketzel, his bloodshot eyes glowing in his white face like red coals, "if I fail," he repeated, "is he still to live ?" "Do you ask me to kill him ?" said Simon in a low voice.

"I have a wife and three children.

If I kill this man I must leave them.
There is no place for me in this country.

There is no escape.
I must lay upon my children that burden forever.

Do you ask me to do this?
Surely God will bring His sure vengeance upon him.
Let him go into the hands of God." "Let him go ?" said Kalmar, his breath hissing through his shut teeth.