e place where they will pay you the two hundred
ducats."

* * * * *

In another quarter of an hour a frightful explosion reechoed in the
mountains and made the earth quake for half a mile around. The
enchanted hollow of Gregyina-Drakuluj was in inaccessible confusion.

Fortunately for Csaki he had delayed a little, otherwise he with his
followers would have all been destroyed there. When he came back Banfy
had already been arrested and he robbed of the glory of having
captured his foe. He hurried at once to meet him and by way of
exquisite revenge took with him the odalisque who looked at Banfy as
coldly as if she had never seen him before. However, since Banfy had
voluntarily surrendered himself, he had quite regained his former
strength of spirit and looking down at Csaki, he said,

"So then, your Grace intends to wear my cast-off clothing from now
on."

Azraele hissed like a snake whose tail had been stepped on, when she
heard these words of biting scorn; while Csaki colored to his ears and
forced a smile.

"Does your Excellency wish any favor from me?" asked Csaki, with
insulting kindness.

"You have none to give and I have need of none. What I demand is that
since I have appeared,--yes, even under arrest without knowing why,
you shall now let my wife go free."

"So then at last you will go whimpering back to your wife?"

"That is not what I meant. I do not intend to go back to my wife; on
the contrary I wish that as soon as I am led into prison she shall be
set free from the same."

"It shall be as you wish, most gracious lord," replied Csaki, with
ironical friendliness.

Banfy gave him an unutterably contemptuous glance, turned to one of
the jailers present and began a conversation with him without giving
any further heed to the grandee.

* * * * *

When Teleki learned of Banfy's arrest he ordered him brought to
Bethlen castle at once. In Bethlen castle the provost of Klausenburg,
Stephen Pataki, received him, at sight of whom Banfy jestingly asked:

"So you have been appointed my confessor, have you?"

Pataki wept, while Banfy smiled lightly. The Provost conducted Banfy
up the steps, showing him the greatest respect. Deeply affected he
remained standing at the threshold. In the room was a lady in mourning
who at sight of him turned pale as death and leaned against the table
unable to move. Banfy felt all the blood rushing to his hea