'I'll not take your life, miserable dog,' cried the Doctor, as he surveyed his fallen adversary with a look of contempt--'as I have deprived you of that murderous hand, you shall live. You are now comparatively harmless--an object of pity rather than of fear. I am a surgeon, and will exert my skill to stop the effusion of blood.' The Dead Man had fainted. He was laid upon the Round Table, and the Doctor dressed the wound. Then he turned to his comrades, and said, 'Gentlemen of the Round Table, you will admit that I have fairly conquered our leader; I have spared his life not in the hope that he will ever become a better man, for that is impossible--but that he may be reserved for a worse fate than death by my knife. He shall live to die a death of horror.' The band crowded around the Doctor, clapping their hands, and exclaiming--'Hail to our new Captain!' 'Not so,' cried the Doctor--'to-night I leave this band forever. Nay, hear me, comrades--you know that I am not a bad man by nature--you are aware that I have been driven to this life by circumstances which I could not control. You are satisfied that I never will betray you; let that suffice. Should any of you meet me hereafter, you will find in me a friend, provided you are inclined to be honest.--I have a word to say in regard to this prisoner; he is my benefactor, having once supplied my wants when I was in a condition of deep distress. I am grateful to him, and wish to do him a service. He has been brought before you by the Captain, for some private wrongs, which have not affected you as a band. Say, comrades, will you set him free?' Many of the band seemed inclined to grant this favor; but one, who possessed much influence, turned the current of feeling against Sydney, by saying-- 'Comrades, listen to me. Though our Captain is conquered, we will not do him injustice. This man is his prisoner, captured by his hand, and _he_ alone can justly release him. Let the Doctor depart, since he wishes it; but let the prisoner be kept in custody; to be disposed of as our Captain may see proper.' This speech was received with applause by the others. The Doctor knew it would be useless to remonstrate; approaching Sydney, he whispered-- 'Have courage, sir--in me you have a friend who will never desert you. I shall be constantly near you to aid you at the first opportunity. Farewell.' He pressed Sydney's hand, bade adieu to his comrades, and left the Vaults. The Dead Man slowly revived; on opening his eyes, his first glance rested upon his prisoner, and a gleam of satisfaction passed over his ghastly visage. At his request, two of the band raised him from the table, and placed him in a chair; then, in a feeble voice, he said--