nvenomed glances are the true
interpreters of your meaning. They at least make it clear that you
intend to insult me; and more is unnecessary to induce a noble Scot to
demand instant satisfaction.'

'It is very flattering to me, noble sir,' answered Megret, 'to receive
an invitation to the field of honor from you; but before I can accept
it, you must satisfy me that I shall really preserve, and not lose my
honor, by going out with you. My comrades in the army are somewhat nice
in such matters, and certain occupations render a man forever unworthy
a gentleman's sword.'

'Do you refuse to give me satisfaction?' fiercely asked Mac Donalbain,
stepping toward Megret, with his hand, apparently grasping a weapon, in
his bosom.

Meanwhile Megret had drawn a pistol from his pocket, cocked it, and
presented its muzzle to Mac Donalbain. 'One step nearer, a suspicious
movement even,' cried he, 'and this bullet pierces your heart. You know
the accuracy of my aim.'

Mac Donalbain drew back, fixing his eyes upon his relentless enemy with
a wild and vacant stare.

'We will quickly put an end to this unpleasant interview,' continued
Megret, with frightful coolness. 'By all this you must perceive that I
know you. Long since might I have denounced you to the civil
authorities, and I have had more than one personal inducement to do so.
Because I became troublesome to you, your myrmidons attempted my murder
during the ride to Tornea, and, had it not been for the major's
interference, would have succeeded. But magnanimity is the weakness of
Frenchmen. You are pardoned, and I merely command you instantly to
leave this castle, never to return. If I ever again behold you here, or
within a circuit of fifty miles from this, the robber-captain shall be
brought to justice and suffer the penalties of the laws.'

Unable to speak, and with a countenance such as satan might be supposed
to have assumed directly after his fall into the abyss, Mac Donalbain
rushed forth, and Megret proceeded in triumph to the castle.

'It is still problematical,' soliloquized Arwed, 'with which of the two
Christine would be most miserable. I become more and more doubtful with
regard to Megret. The Scot received but his deserts, although it is no
honest man who assumes the duty of executioner,--for no one but a
finished villain could have taken such pleasure in stretching his
victim upon the rack.'

His uncle now hastily approached him from the castle, with an op