I had no idea that such eyes as Rattray's could be so fierce: they were dancing from me to my companion, whom their glitter frightened into an attempt to disengage herself from me; but my arm only tightened about her drooping figure.
"I shall gain no more than I expect," said I, carelessly.

"And I know what to expect from brave gentlemen like you! It will be better than your own fate, at all events; anything's better than being taken hence to the place of execution, and hanged by the neck until you're dead, all three of you in a row, and your bodies buried within the precincts of the prison!" "The very thing for him," murmured Santos.

"The--very--theeng!" "But I'm so soft-hearted," I went insanely on, "that I should be sorry to see that happen to such fine fellows as you are.

Come out of that, you little fraud behind there!" It was my betrayer skulking in the room.

"Come out and line up with the rest! No, I'm not going to see you fellows dance on nothing; I've another kind of ball apiece for you, and one between 'em for the Braithwaites!" Well, I suppose I always had a nasty tongue in me, and rather enjoyed making play with it on provocation; but, if so, I met with my deserts that night.