But I can ask a question and take an answer." Castell shook his head impatiently.
"Ask the question, man, if you will, but never take the answer if it is against you.

Wait rather, and ask it again--" "And," went on Peter without noticing, his grey eyes lighting with a sudden fire, "if need be, I can break that fine Spaniard's bones as though he were a twig." "Ah!" said Castell, "perhaps you will be called upon to make your words good before all is done.

For my part, I think his bones will take some breaking.

Well, ask in your own way--only ask and let me hear the answer before to-morrow night.

Now it grows late, and I have still something to say.