I am not afraid of you, nor of your
captain, nor of any one, or of _all_, your bloody band. I seek
no quarrel with anybody; my great wish is to avoid quarrel; but as
you choose, one and all, to insult me, and to attempt my life, this
is my only course.' The robber was dumbfounded, but he was speedily
recalled to his senses by his chief.
'We will deal with this fellow at some other time. I have a different
matter on hand now. Take this rope and fasten an end of it to his
arm,' pointing to The Lifter.
The poor wretch knew that some horrible punishment was in store for
him, and his face grew deadly pale. Otherwise he showed no sign of
terror.
Murfrey fastened the cord, securely, as directed, and stood awaiting
further instructions. But the chief had a lecture to deliver before
he gave the order; and this was the lecture:
'I desire one and all to know why this punishment is inflicted.
_It is for treason._ My mother was about to take vengeance for
insult offered her by this man,' pointing to Roland, 'but my son
interfered in a way that you all know. Now I am glad that my mother
did not succeed, for I have an object in keeping this young man here
for the present.
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