"As you have already heard, our most worthy captain will be absent on
important business for some time to come, and during the period of his
absence the duties of command will devolve on me. I have long been
contemplating a measure, which, if carried out, will be of great and
lasting benefit to our order. In order to conduct the affair to a
successful termination, it may become necessary to imprison a female, a
young lady of great beauty and accomplishments, in this cave. I do not know
that it will require such extreme measures as this, I hope it will not, but
should it become needful to go to this extreme, I shall desire your aid in
carrying her off."

"We'll be with you, as we have already pledged ourselves; but we must ask,
as a favor in return, that you allow us to settle a personal affair with
Amos Duval."

"Of what nature? You know he is a member of the _League_, and that it is a
crime to lift a hand against him."

"We know all about that; but Duval is a traitor at heart, and we can prove
him such."

"Then proceed against him in the order, and I will stand by you."

"That's just what we want; first to prove him worthy of death by our laws,
and secondly, to be allowed to execute the sentence pronounced against
him."

Duffel could not but see that there was a discrepancy between the first and
last request of these fellows, though they tried to make them appear as
one, and he knew there was personal enmity at the bottom of the whole