I might have gone away and
strove to think no more about her, but the look of loathing as well as
terror with which my face filled her, decided my course. _I resolved
to have her._ Before the spring buds are on the trees she shall be
here; and one of the offices I shall reserve for you is to assist me
in bringing her hither. I may be able to use you as a decoy; for your
face, curse it, seems to find more favour with women than mine.'
'And you brought me here, then, that I might aid you in such works
of infamy?'
'Precisely.'
'Then hear my answer once for all. Death shall be mine before
dishonour. Rather than assist you in carrying out the least of your
evil deeds _I will give myself up to justice_.' The robber's
face grew as dark as a thundercloud, and a devilish light flashed in
his eye. For a moment his hand rested upon the haft of his knife; but
only for a moment.
'We shall see,' he replied. 'I have bent more stubborn wills than
yours. You will have some time to make choice of my two alternatives.
This only have I now to say: If you have any hope of being able to
escape hence and get into sheltering territory put it from you.
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