Why, dull rogue, thou hast set me free!' He looked up exulting from his work at the man's throat to shout this word.

'But if it is not true, Bertran'-- he shook him like a rat--'if it is not true, I return, O Bertran, and tear this false gullet out of its case, and with thy speckled heart feed the crows of Perigord.' Bertran had foam on his lips, but Richard showed him no mercy.

'As it is, Bertran,' he went on with his teeth on edge, 'I am minded to finish thee.

But that I need something from thee I think I should do it.

Tell me now whence came thy news.