"Her handwriting! I was sure of it. To whom was this addressed?"
"Benito Villegas. Perhaps you know him—he is a native of the Rock."
"I remember him years ago. And has he carried out these instructions? Is he here?"
"I cannot make out. I have looked for him, but have been unable to find him."
"Not at the address stated here? You have been to it?"
"Several times, but have never seen him."
"He is probably in some disguise; that would suit his purpose best. We will hunt him up, never fear. But Stanislas must first be warned."
"You will go to him—at once?"
"This very day. And you—won't you come too?"
"No, no! I cannot." Mariquita blushed crimson. "He would chide me. It is wrong, I know; I have no right to be here, but he was in such danger. I risked everything: his displeasure, my life, my good name."