"Have a care, Roger Trevanion," he said. "This morning we both used a well-worn proverb--'he who laughs last laughs best.' I think that applies to me, for in a few minutes you will have gone to that place where there will be little laughter, and where you will be in company with the personage who describes himself as travelling to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it." "Scarcely," I replied. "You could never be happy without your constant friend and master." I heard Uncle Anthony chuckle in his quiet way, but Otho went on still in cold, cruel tones: "I have not yet decided what death you shall die. I think, however, that I shall increase the brilliancy of the light yonder by using you as fuel. It will be excellent preparation for you too." "That would be just like you," I said; "you are too great a coward to try and kill me in open fight. However, let's have done with it as quickly as possible." I said this, I must confess, with difficulty; my throat was dry, and even then I could almost feel the fire burning my flesh. At the same time I knew that such words would make him desire to prolong my agony, and, in truth, his devilish desire to taunt me and make me suffer saved my life. "All in good time, Roger Trevanion," he said coolly. "There is no hurry for a few minutes, and the devil can wait. I have a few things to tell you, too. I have had some slight training for the priesthood, and I wish to give you a few comforting messages before you depart, just as a priest should." "Go on," I said grimly, but indeed I was sore afraid. CHAPTER XXVII. HOW BENET KILLIGREW AND I FOUGHT IN THE LIGHT OF THE BEACON FIRE. "Of course you expect no mercy from me?" said Otho presently. "I know you are too good a pupil of your master to dream of such a thing," I replied, and even as I spoke I wondered how long it would take the messenger I had sent to reach Hugh Boscawen, and whether help could arrive before Otho had completed his designs. "Be careful, Roger Trevanion," he said bitterly. "Why?" I asked. "I know you will do your worst whatever may happen. Say your say, man, and unless you gag me I shall say mine." "Yes, I will say my say. Oh, I know what you are thinking. Well, we have sentinels in every direction, and the moment there is a sign of any friends of yours coming, we shall be warned, and that moment you shall die." My heart sank as he said this. For although I do not think I fear death more than another man, I did dread the cruelty of this man. Besides, I longed for life; never, indeed, had it been so sweet to me as now. Only a few hours before my dear maid Nancy had laid her head on my shoulder and had sobbed out her love to me. I knew, too, that she would have a bitter enemy in Otho, and if I were dead she would be a prey to his many wiles. Still I determined not to betray fear. At any rate, he should not have the comfort of making me plead for mercy.