Well, shall I tell you in my turn what I think ?" "By all means, if it will not be giving you too much trouble." "Then I tell you that you have come here on an errand which no man should venture to do alone.

You are not of the age and build for business like this.

It is a misfortune--a fatal one perhaps--to put yourself in my power, in such a house as this." "But, my dear sir, what is likely to happen to me ?" The features of the ex-cook were convulsed with fury; he was in that mad state of rage in which a man has no control over himself.

Mechanically his hand slipped into his pocket; but before he could draw it out again, Tantaine who had not lost one of his movements, sprang upon him and grasped him so tightly by the throat that he was powerless to adopt any offensive measures, in spite of his great strength and robust build.
The struggle was not a long one; the old man hurled his adversary to the ground, and placed his foot on his chest, and held him down, his whole face and figure seemingly transfigured with the glories of strength and success.
"And so you wished to stab me,--to murder a poor and inoffensive old man.

Do you think that I was fool enough to enter your cut-throat door without taking proper precautions ?" And as he spoke he drew a revolver from his bosom.