Page:The black tulip (IA 10892334.2209.emory.edu).pdf/236

 “you never let me have any. Well, I shall turn your starving me to advantage, and regale myself with fish.”

Gryphus nearly fainted with anger and with fright, but he soon rallied, and said, putting his hand in his pocket,—

“Well, as you force me to it,” and with these words, he drew forth a clasp-knife and opened it.

“Halloa, a knife!” said Cornelius, preparing to defend himself with his stick.

  two remained silent for some minutes, Gryphus on the offensive, and Van Baerle on the defensive.

Then, as the situation might be prolonged to an indefinite length, Cornelius, anxious to know something more of the causes which had so fiercely exasperated his jailor, spoke first, by putting the question—

“Well, what do you want, after all?”

“I’ll tell you what I want,” answered Gryphus, “I want you to restore to me my daughter Rosa.”

“Your daughter?” cried Van Baerle.

“Yes, my daughter Rosa, whom you have taken from me by your devilish magic. Now, will you tell me where she is?”

And the attitude of Gryphus became more and more threatening.

“Rosa is not at Lœvestein?” cried Cornelius.

“You know well she is not. Once more, will you restore her to me?” 