CHAPTER IX.

DISCIPLINE AND OTHER INCIDENTS.


On the morning after the foregoing occurrence breakfast was taken at
the usual hour. All the robbers were present; and the Rev. Mr. Jonas
thanked God for the repast, and begged that his brethren would be
given strength from above to carry on the good work in which they had
engaged.

The old woman had taken her place at the head of the table, and upon
her hands and face were many plasters. The face of the captain was as
dark as night; and he did not for many minutes speak to anybody. At
last, when the meal was nearly ended, he fixed his fierce eyes upon
Roland.

'Those whose hearts are too craven,' he said, 'to go out for
adventure among men, like to amuse themselves by assailing old women.'

'She may thank the fiend who presides over her destiny that she came
off so easily,' Roland replied with the most consummate coolness.

'But the fact remains,' sneered the chief, 'that while you are
afraid to face men, you wreak your vengeance upon an old woman.'

'If you were not what you are, a despicable villain, I should open