rage. "Thou hadst better depart ere we punish thy insolence with the edge
of the sword."

"Terrible words, surely, from mighty swordsmen!" said Apgomer, smiling.
"Is it any wonder I tremble beneath your gaze? Even from the days of your
childhood your courage and valor have been proverbial. My cousin Scribbo,
at the early age of ten years, would, without fear, push headlong into
the water little girls years younger than himself; while the brave
Shagoth, at the early age of twelve, could find no more pleasing
recreation than to scourge his poor relatives of eight years old and
under. Then ye were heroes in embryo; and now, having grown up, is it any
wonder that the whole realm quakes beneath your tread? Hail! all hail, ye
mighty sons of Skerbood! This is the day in which ye look for the full
realization of your guilty hope, in the death of three of the choicest
noblemen that ever adorned the Chaldean realm. Be not too sure of your
prey. Strange things have appeared in those young men's histories, and
more strange manifestations may yet appear."

"Too long already have we listened to thy insolent and silly harangue,"
said Scribbo. "Right glad are we that these foreign pets, who have so
long been dandled on the lap of royalty, are at last brought to the test.
We only hope that their fanaticism may lead them to disobedience. In that
event, we would ask for no greater pleasure than to be permitted to throw
them into yon blazing furnace."

"Ye are surely well adapted for such an undertaking. By all means,
volunteer your services; and remember that, in the midst of your burning
patriotism, these young foreigners hold responsible offices, that must be
filled by some competent personages."