Beware of permitting your husband to suspect anything. He
is not very shrewd at such things--he thought I was a Jesuit in
disguise--but we had better be careful. Now go. You have been too
long here already. Bless you, sister."
A few faint sobs, a rustling of leaves, and I knew that Brake was
alone. I rose, and stepped silently into the open space in which
he stood. His back was toward me. His arms were lifted high over
his head with an exultant gesture, and I could see his profile, as
it slightly turned toward me, illuminated with a smile of scornful
triumph. I put my hand suddenly on his throat from behind, and
flung him on the ground before he could utter a cry.
"Not a word," I said, unclasping a short-bladed knife which I
carried; "answer my questions, or, by heaven, I will cut your
throat from ear to ear!"
He looked up into my face with an unflinching eye, and set his lips
as if resolved to suffer all.
"What are you? Who are you? What object have you in the seduction
of my wife?"
He smiled, but was silent.
"Ah! you won't answer. We'll see."
I pressed the knife slowly against his throat.
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