Thinking that the Unknown and his soldiers had probably been detailed for that duty, Erwin determined to question the prisoners, in the hope of discovering the name of his adversary. "We must invent some other punishment," resumed Hesso. "They don't care for mutilation; one of them told me the other day, that Milan would give him a golden hand to replace the one that I had cut off. If the Emperor wants to starve them out, he will have to hang every one who tries to bring even a handful of peas into the town." "Death is the punishment for a repetition of the offence, I believe?" asked the knight. "Yes; but they are very careful not to be caught at that! They are so well paid for mutilation that they are not tempted to risk their lives. But they do not seem to care for their hands at all, and I am kept busy all day long in intercepting their convoys.--I suppose that, while I am stopping this one, another has got into the city." By this time, they had reached the line of tents occupied by Hesso and his assistants--about thirty paces in front of the main camp. In the centre stood a gallows, and, near by, a heavy block stained with blood, to which the unfortunate prisoners were led. "Do you mean to carry their sentence into effect at once?" asked Erwin. "Certainly! These birds are a useless encumbrance in camp; as soon as they have left their hands with me, they can go where they please. Such is the law!" replied Hesso, who had taken off his doublet, and stood, with his shirt-sleeves rolled up to the elbows, before the fatal block. One of the prisoners came up; his pale and suffering expression painfully affected the Count, who could not bear the sight of this barbarous tragedy, which to Hesso was a mere pastime. "Bring up your contribution," said the headsman; "what a face the scoundrel has! he trembles, and his teeth chatter with fear." A dull sound was heard, followed by a plaintive groan. "One!" said the executioner, as he threw the hand on one side; "look what a baby-paw it is!" The assistants joined in their chiefs laugh, as they saw the mutilated wretch faint with pain. "Never mind!" said Hesso, coolly; "if he bleeds to death, we shall be sure that he won't try this business again." "One moment, sir! Will you allow me a moment's conversation with the prisoners?" asked Erwin. "What for?" was the reply, and the headsman stared angrily at the Count. "As you have yourself told me, the besieged are in the habit of sending out to escort these convoys; perhaps I may gain some useful information which will decide the Emperor to adopt some more energetic measures!" "Three!" cried Hesso. And at the same time was heard the cry of pain and a brutal laugh. "More energetic measures are well enough, but you will get no information.--Four!" "But it is worth trying." "Five!"--and a bloody hand fell at Erwin's feet.