This he also delayed to give; but the pressure of my foot on his breast, proved an argument so persuasive, that he was forced to yield, and I carefully consigned it to my breast. 'Now, M. le Comte, I have still another little favour to ask; the pass-word for the day--the parole--speak, or die! ha, ha! a minute ago, it was you who said, "sign or die;" the parole?' I added, fiercely, 'or I will crush you, like the worm you are--ay, strangle you as the Lady of Lutzelstein was strangled.' A frightful pallor came over his damp visage at this threat, and under his heavy black moustache he faltered out-- ''Tis the name of the Emperor.' '_Mathias?_' 'Yes.' 'And the countersign?' Again he delayed. 'Quick--quick.' '_Vienna._' 'Good--now I have done with you, until your arm is cured, and we can meet again in our helmets, and under better auspices; and then--dog, coward, and murderer--be wary of the worthless life a mistaken humanity causes me to spare to-day!' Regardless of his broken arm, and of the sickening agony it caused him, I bound his hands behind him by his waist-belt. I then tore his scarf in two; tied his heels by one half, and with the other gagged him, in such a position, that he could neither summon aid nor give an alarm. I then possessed myself of his violet-coloured velvet mantle, and broad Spanish hat, and tearing out the scarlet plume by which it might be recognised, armed with his poniard and pistol, I left the chamber. On withdrawing, I gave him a farewell glance; and never did I read in human eyes, the snaky, fiend-like expression of hatred, rage, baffled spite, and bodily agony, that glared in those of the bruised and fettered De Bitche, when I left him with a fierce and mocking laugh. I double-locked the chamber-door, and as I crossed the deserted hall, flung the key into a fire of wood that blazed on the hearth, under the arched fireplace. 'Now,' thought I, 'my tormentor is secure enough!' CHAPTER LVIII. THE SALLY. This sombrely tapestried and stately apartment seemed at first quite unoccupied; and for a moment the idea of throwing burning faggots on the floor, and setting the hated tower on fire, occurred to me; but the desire of effecting my own escape lay nearer my heart than the destruction of Phalsbourg. Moreover, I observed one who had escaped my first survey, a woman, asleep, or in a swoon on a bench; a tipsy courtesan of the last night's orgies, and an emotion of pity restrained me. Arming myself with a sword, I rushed to the court-yard, which was crowded by the garrison, and was then the scene of all the infernal hurlyburly incident to a furious assault and vigorous defence. 'Mathias and Vienna,' I repeated; 'these are the magic words which are to set me free; but amid this vile uproar who is to receive them--to whom can they be given?'