The Midnight Queen - Page 142/177

"Really," said the count, with some embarrassment, "you attack me so

unexpectedly, and so like a ghost or a highwayman--by the way I have a

word to say to you about highwaymen, and was seeking you to say it."

"Where is Leoline?" shouted the exasperated young knight, releasing his

shoulder, and clutching him by the throat. "Tell me or, by Heaven! I'll

pitch you neck and heels into the Thames!"

Instantly the sword of the count's companion flashed in the moonlight,

and, in two seconds more, its blue blade would have ended the earthly

career of Sir Norman Kingsley, had not the count quickly sprang back,

and made a motion for his companion to hold.

"Wait!" he cried, commandingly, with his arm outstretched to each. "Keep

off! George, sheathe your sword and stand aside. Sir Norman Kingsley,

one word with you, and be it in peace."

"There can be no peace between us," replied that aggravated young

gentleman, fiercely "until you tell me what has become of Leoline."

"All in good time. We have a listener, and does it mot strike you our

conference should be private!"

"Public or private, it matters not a jot, so that you tell me what

you've done with Leoline," replied Sir Norman, with whom it was evident

getting beyond this question was a moral and physical impossibility.

"And if you do not give an account of yourself, I'll run you through as

sure as your name is Count L'Estrange!"

A strange sort of smile came over the face of the count at this direful

threat, as if he fancied in that case, he was safe enough; but Sir

Norman, luckily, did not see it, and heard only the suave reply: "Certainly, Sir Norman; I shall be delighted to do so. Let us stand over

there in the shadow of that arch; and, George, do you remain here within

call."

The count blandly waved Sir Norman to follow, which Sir Norman did, with

much the mein of a sulky lion; and, a moment after, both were facing

each other within the archway.

"Well!" cried the young knight, impatiently; "I am waiting. Go on!"

"My dear Kingsley," responded the count, in his easy way, "I think you

are laboring under a little mistake. I have nothing to go on about; it

is you who are to begin the controversy."

"Do you dare to play with me?" exclaimed Sir Norman, furiously. "I tell

you to take care how you speak! What have you done with Leoline?"

"That is the fourth or fifth time that you've asked me that question,"

said the count, with provoking indifference. "What do you imagine I have

done with her?"

Sir Norman's feelings, which had been rising ever since their meeting,

got up to such a height at this aggravating question, that he gave vent

to an oath, and laid his hand on him sword; but the count's hand lightly

interposed before it came out.