"Now, cut the head from him who dared to demand the surrender of my person and of my officers, and give it to his companions to take back to the Prince Joshua as my answer to his message." The man heard, and being a coward like all the Abati, flung himself upon his face before Maqueda, trying to kiss her robe and pleading for mercy.
"Dog!" she answered, "you were one of those who this very night dared to attack my chamber.

Oh! lie not, I knew your voice and heard your fellow-traitors call you by your name.

Away with him!" We tried to interfere, but she would not listen, even to Orme.
"Would you plead for your brother's murderer ?" she asked, alluding to Quick.

"I have spoken!" So they dragged him off behind us, and presently we saw a melancholy procession returning whence they came, carrying something on a shield.
It reached the opposing ranks, whence there arose a murmur of wrath and fear.
"March on!" said Maqueda, "and gain the palace." So the regiment formed into a square, and, setting Maqueda and ourselves in the centre of it, advanced again.
Then the fight began.

Great numbers of the Abati surrounded us and, as they did not dare to make a direct attack, commenced shooting arrows, which killed and wounded a number of men.