'The man is dead they tell me.' 'Neither dying nor dead,' I answered lightly.

'If that be all you may go home again.' 'With you,' he replied, with a grin, 'certainly.

And as it rains, the sooner the better.

I must ask you for your sword, I am afraid.' 'Take it,' I said, with the philosophy which never deserts me.

'But the man will not die.' 'I hope that may avail you,' he answered in a tone I did not like.