“Milo, I am minded to give Sancho proof of my mercy, since he already believes in my justice. Open the great chamber. Sancho, canst guess the honor I propose to do thee?”

“No, lady,” replied Sancho, an awful dryness gripping his throat.

“Hast ever hungered for sight of the great chamber?” She paused smiling at the uneasy pirate, who could not answer. “Of course thou hast,” she replied for him. “Which of my rogues has not? I am minded to show thee this mark of my love, since thy conscience permitted thee to return here. Hast any fear of the saying the Red Chief uttered? That none might enter the great chamber and live?”

Sancho suddenly sprang to life. His face was distorted; when the lightning