I saw the tussle that followed and I swore, there and then, that I would be your ruin.

Just now you swore that if ever you betrayed me, thus might you yourself be betrayed by whomsoever you trusted most.

You said: 'Let water pursue; let fire seize me, let the axe of the headsman descend upon me and the dogs drink up my blood!' Be it so, then--here is fire in front of you and water behind you and the headsman's sword above your head! The dogs that are to lick your blood are already barking for it.

I have betrayed you.

Look behind you!" The armed band of soldiers, moving forward in line, like a piece of machinery, suddenly disclosed a row of bayonets glittering in the light of the torches.