“I tell you what I have already told the contesse. My object is entirely personal. You can fight out your battle with your Government in your own way; but I mean to gain my end. When once that is gained, I shan’t be more minutes in Lisbon than I can help.”
Again he paused. He realized no doubt that he had to choose between giving up Miralda or sacrificing his cause and all concerned in it. A dilemma searching enough to make him thoughtful.
“You will give me your pledge to keep absolutely silent?” he asked at length.
“It is for me to impose conditions, not for you.”
“How do I know that all has occurred as you tell me?”
“You can please yourself. I have a paper signed by Sampayo and Gompez and all the rest of them.”
“Show it me.”
“Certainly.”
This might offer me the chance I sought. I took it out and held it toward him, intending to close with him the instant he came near enough. But he was too wary. “Throw it to me,” he said.
“You can read it from there,” I replied, and held it up so that he could do so.