“May we go then? I have had no food since yesterday morning.”
“There is still one formality,” he replied. He turned then to Captain Moros and said something which made the brute go white and set him trembling, as he protested. But the protest was evidently unavailing, and after some further words, he rose and went out at the back of the room. I learnt afterwords that he was made the scapegoat for my treatment and dismissed from his position.
Just as this incident ended, the door by which we had entered opened and another prisoner was brought in. To my amazement I saw it was Bryant.
“Do you recognize any one here, prisoner?” the Governor asked him.
Bryant stared all round. “Only my master, Mr. Donnington.”
“Was that the formality, your Excellency?” I asked.
“M. Volheno said you two were to be confronted, and I had no option but to do so. You are now at liberty to leave.”
“And my servant?”
“Certainly. I trust you will let this most regrettable and unintelligible series of mistakes pass out of your mind. Here are the things taken from you—the paper I am sending to M. Volheno. And now,” he added, as he offered me his hand; “I shall be glad if at some time convenient to yourself you will afford me an opportunity of discussing with you the matter in which you so interested my brother.”
Pia was at a loss what to do. So I laid my hand on her arm. “Come,” I said.