Next instant I heard a sound that reminded me of the growl the white bear gave when it gripped Steinar.

Two arms shot out and caught that black savage by the head.

There was a noise as of something breaking, and down went the man--a corpse.
Then they hurried me away, for now it was not only the judges who were afraid.
It comes to me that for some days, three or four, I sat in my cell at the palace, for here I was kept because, as I learned afterwards, it was feared that if I were removed to that State prison of which I had been governor, some attempt would be made to rescue me.
This cell was one of several situated beneath that broad terrace which looked out on to the sea, where Irene had first questioned me as to the shell necklace and, against my prayer, had set it upon her own breast.
It had a little barred window, out of which I could watch the sea, and through this window came the sound of sentries tramping overhead and of the voice of the officer who, at stated hours, arrived to turn out the guard, as for some years it had been my duty to do.
I wondered who that officer might be, and wondered also how many of such men since Byzantium became the capital of the Empire had filled his office and mine, and what had become of them all.

As I knew, if that terrace had been able to speak, it could have told many bloody histories, whereof doubtless mine would be another.

Doubtless, too, there were more to follow until the end came, whatever that might be.
In that strait place I reflected on many things.