So at
last I made up my mind to spare his life, and teach him a lesson.
The next morning I drew the charges of the revolvers and reloaded
them with poor powder and dried peas! Everything else has happened
just as he has told you! He has received no harm, except in being
terribly frightened, and in having his beauty spoiled! And as for
that, didn't I offer him one of the pistols, and expose my own face
to similar damage? For I'd scorn to take advantage of any one!" said
Cap, laughing.
Craven Le Noir had now raised himself up in a sitting posture, and
was looking around with an expression of countenance which was a
strange blending of relief at this unexpected respite from the
grave, and intense mortification at finding himself in the
ridiculous position which the address of Capitola and his own weak
nerves, cowardice and credulity had placed him.
Cap went up to him and said, in a consoling voice:
"Come, thank heaven that you are not going to die this bout! I'm
glad you repented and told the truth; and I hope you may live long
enough to offer heaven a truer repentance than that which is the
mere effect of fright! For I tell you plainly that if it had not
been for the grace of the Lord, acting upon my heart last night,
your soul might have been in Hades now!"
Craven Le Noir shut his eyes, groaned and fell back overpowered by
the reflection.
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