n through his heart. The windows of the vessel were all
lighted up, and the crew were lining the bulwarks.

"Betrayed!--utterly betrayed!" he cried in despair as he cursed and
abjured the Devil and all his works. "Nay, there _is_ no Devil!--there
is nothing!--nothing!"

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XII

Nemesis

It was not until the next day that Feodor learned all that had taken
place in the outer world.

A company of armed men were now advancing against his fortifications
from the direction of the island, while the war-ship had turned her
broadside with its triple row of guns against the tower.

After landing a party to storm the building from the land side, the
_St. Thomas_ had stood off for the attack.

In conformity with custom, the besiegers, before beginning the
assault, summoned the fortress to surrender in order that the shedding
of blood might be avoided.

The Very Reverend Herr Waimoener, accompanied by a herald, came as a
messenger of peace to the great door of the tower and, with the blast
of a trumpet, called upon its commander to take part in peaceful
negotiations.

Feodor sent him the hunchback who acted as his castellan. "The fellow
is stone-deaf," said he; "let them negotiate with him!"

But the hunchback was not stone-deaf--at least when he cared to hear.
He merely chose to deceive the deceivers.

Right well did he understand the reverend gentleman's summons.
According to it, every man would be granted free departure, immunity
from all punishment, and as much of the tower's treasure as his
shoulders could bear, if only the Master were delivered alive into the
hands of justice.

The castellan first returned and imparted the news to those of his
companions who were keeping watch at the door. These passed it on to
the others.

At this juncture the Master appeared in their midst. As of yore they
gathered round him and listened attentively to his words.

"Men!" cried Feodor, "we have now to stand the test of fire, and show
the world what forty fellows like us can do in a stronghold like this.
We have magnificent guns and enough ammunition and provisions to last
till doomsday. We will sweep away all who attempt to creep along that
rocky ridge, and will send that ship to the bottom should she dare to
come within range of our guns."

He paused as if to observe the effect of his words upon those around
him, but there was not the spirited response which he had expected.

"Even if we b