Equally relieved, I was about to follow when the utterly forlorn appearance of the soldier moved me to open the revolver, showing that it was not loaded.

Then my adversary was transfigured.

His back straightened, his mouth closed, his eyes regained their old intelligence.

He stared at me a moment, half incredulous, and then he laughed.

Ah, how that soldier laughed! The owner of the donkey turned and shared his glee.