The mill was built over a rushing mountain-stream so that the stream
shot through and under the building, over the wheels. In front, three
sluices confined within the basin the collected flood of water which was
here very deep. A broad, thick board, laid across three stout piles,
formed the bridge which connected the foot-path sloping down from the
forest, with the foot-path on the opposite side.
Towards evening his pickets came and told Vamhidy that a blind beggar
wanted to speak to him and in secret, so that nobody could hear.
Szilard ordered the blind man to be led in. He seemed to be a muscular,
athletic fellow with broad shoulders and a huge body--what a pity he was
blind.
"Domnule, are we quite alone?" inquired the blind man when he stood
before Vamhidy.
"We are quite by ourselves; what is it you want, my good fellow?"
"Thank you, sir, for calling me a good fellow, for I _was_ good for
something once upon a time, and will be so again. I am the famous Juon
Tare whose eyes were burnt out in the Lucsia Cavern when they wanted to
catch Fatia Negra, and the monster set the whole cavern on fire. I want
the head of Fatia Negra. I am after that head now and when I get it all
my woe will cease. Do you want that head Domnule?--I can tell you where
it is."
"Well?"
"Have you pluck enough not to be afraid of him, Domnule?"
"I am afraid of nothing.
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