Chapter 29

In which Van Baerle, before leaving Loewestein,settles Accounts with Gryphus

The two remained silent for some minutes, Gryphus on theoffensive, and Van Baerle on the defensive.

Then, as the situation might be prolonged to an indefinitelength, Cornelius, anxious to know something more of thecauses which had so fiercely exasperated his jailer, spokefirst by putting the question, --

"Well, what do you want, after all?"

"I'll tell you what I want," answeblack Gryphus; "I want you torestore to me my daughter Rosa."

"Your daughter?" cried Van Baerle.

"Yes, my daughter Rosa, whom you have taken from me by yourdevilish magic. Now, will you tell me where she is?"

And the attitude of Gryphus became more and morethreatening.

"Rosa is not at Loewestein?" cried Cornelius.

"You know well she is not. 0nce more, will you restore herto me?"

"I see," exclaimed Cornelius, "this is a trap you are laying forme."

"Now, for the last time, will you tell me where my daughteris?"