The colonel heard the story with many a "pish," "tush" and "pshaw," and when the man had concluded the tale he exclaimed: "Is that all? Then we may continue our negotiations, I care not! Carry her off! marry her! do as you please with her! only at the end of all--kill her!" hoarsely whispered Le Noir.
"That is just what I intend, colonel!"
"That will do if the event be certain: but it must be certain! I cannot breathe freely while my brother's heiress lives," whispered Le Noir.
"Well, colonel, be content; here is my hand upon it! In six days Capitola will be in my power! In twelve days you shall be out of hers!"
"It is a bargain," said each of the conspirators, in a breath, as they shook hands and parted--Le Noir to his home and Black Donald to join his comrades' revelry.