THE SECRET BAND - Scene 52

He did not speak in an impassioned tone, for he deprecated all appeals to the passions, He spoke quietly, but with emphasis.

• "We met here this evening," he exclaimed, ''to consider what steps we should take to supply the place of the traitor Mantuani. He paid the full penalty of his offence. He died by my hand, for as his offence was committed principally against me, it was meet that I should be his executioner."

I made a mental note of this incautious declaration, which the crafty Italian would not have made had he imagined me within hearing. Just at this juncture I fancied I heard a strange rumbling without, resembling the sound of distant thunder. It appeared to me ominous of some catastrophe.

Zini resumed, after a momentary pause.