NECROMANCER.
15
But all was in vain, the old man gave no sign of life.
"Volkert, Volkert," exclaimed my friend once more, but he did not hear him.
The inn-keeper ran down stairs fetching a glass of water and some drops, but all our endeavours to restore the hoary villain to the use of his senses proved abortive and he remained senseless in our arms.
"Well then," resumed the Austrian, his eyes flashing with anger, "if amicable means will not do, then I must have recourse to violence." So saying, he discharged a pistol, the door flew open, and four corporals rushed in with their swords unsheathed.
"Tie the rascal's arms and legs,' roared the Austrian, "away with the villain, he is our prisoner."
"You
