‘Truly, friend,’ said Don José, addressing him, ‘you have a very pretty knack at the telling of fortunes—much serving to encourage and support your fellow-creatures at a pinch.’
‘Silence!’ proclaimed the alcaide, ‘the course of justice must not be interrupted.’ The little clerk made a bow, and Don José laughed outright.
‘Why did you enter in your boat the harbour of Carthagena?’ the judge demanded.
I said, that not recognising his authority to ask I should not answer the question.
‘Take down,’ said the alcaide, ‘that he denies the authority of the king of Spain in this, his new empire.’
The clerk obeyed, with a sort of joyful chuckle.
‘On what voyage were you bound?’ I was next asked.
I remained mute.
‘We shall make him find his tongue presently,’ grinned the clerk; ‘even though we should squeeze it out of his thumbs.’
I guessed the meaning of this hint, but still held my peace.