And if I do not condescend to the struggle, it is because you are too light for such an arm as this." And as he spoke he boastfully grasped the muscles which constant practice had made thick and firm.

"But my hand reaches far.

Every man-at-arms is one of its fingers, and there are thousands of them.

You have made acquaintance already, I fancy, with those which clutched you." "Not so," replied Alexander, with a faint smile, as he bowed humbly.

"I should not dare resist your great strength, but the watch-dogs of the law tried in vain to track me.