"I have much to say to you," I returned calmly. "And we can best ask and answer that question mutually when the interview is over."
I met his look with one as firm as his own, and he sat down at his writing-table and waited for me to open the ball.
CHAPTER XVII
WAR TO THE KNIFE
I did not keep Sebastian Quesada waiting, but plunged at once into my business.
"I do not think our interview need be a very long one, and I will state my object at once. It concerns Sarita Castelar. I know that preparations for decisive action against the Carlists have been made, and that all is in readiness for the signal from you. I have just heard very terrible news in the city to-night, concerning a mad wild act of theirs, and being anxious for a reassurance on the senorita's account, I have come to ask you for it."
"You will do more wisely not to interfere in our political matters," he answered curtly, with a frown at the mention of Sarita.
"I am obliged, of course, by your friendly counsel; but excuse me if I say I have not come for advice, but information."
"I have none to give you;" and his tone was even sharper than before. It was as stern and hard indeed as his look was dour. But in a moment a great change came. His eyes softened and his face brightened, and, using the tone of our former intercourse, he added: "Why can't we remain friends, Carbonnell? Why do you come to me like this? It is but an hour or two since we parted, and nothing can have occurred since that need estrange us; and there was no cloud between us then. Don't you think I wish to be your friend now as I did then?"
I looked at him in considerable surprise. His overtures did not touch me in the least; I was searching for his motive and could not find it.