Or you would never, to save the hand that betrayed us, never to save a man--" "Silence!" Count Hannibal cried, in a terrible voice.

And rising on his elbow, he poised the dagger as if he would hurl it.

"Silence, or I will spit you like the vermin you are! Silence, and listen! And you, old ban- dog, listen too, for I know you obstinate! It is not to save him.

It is because I will die as I have lived, fearing nothing and asking nothing! It were easy to bar the door as you would have me, and die in the corner here like a wolf at bay, biting to the last.

That were easy, old wolf- hound! Pleasant and good sport!" "Ay! That were a death!" the veteran cried, his eyes brightening.