Stubbs had been an interesting listener to the conversation and became
decidedly impatient when the dwarf refused to answer Hal's questions.

"Why don't you speak?" he demanded aggressively, taking a step forward.
He felt perfectly safe now that Hal had the man covered.

Instantly there was an unexpected change in the dwarf's manner. He
stepped back a pace and bowed his head before the angry Stubbs.

"I did not know that you wished me to answer," he replied civilly. "I
will talk to you, for you are the first man who has ever conquered me;
and you are a small man, too--a dwarf."

"What's that?" exclaimed Stubbs still more angrily, for "the dwarf" had
touched upon a tender spot. "Dwarf, am I? What do you mean by talking to
me like that?"

Again he took a step forward and the Albanian drew back.

"You will please excuse me," he said humbly. "I did not mean to offend.
For myself I am proud that I am a dwarf and I was glad that it was one of
my own kind who conquered me."

Stubbs, greatly flattered, threw out his chest and turned to Hal.

"You see," he exclaimed, "if you have any doubts as to how I overcame
this man, he will tell you himself. Won't you, Nik--Nikol?"

Nikol bowed.