Mendoza scowled about the room and dashed out, leaving Rogelio with his eyes rolled to the rafters, swinging his head slowly from side to side and waving his arms, apparently in the last stage of asphyxiation. Pizarro ordered his secretary to investigate. Xerez soon returned with confirmation. Shortly Mendoza strode in, his black looks leaving no doubt. The Ñusta had vanished.
"Hath the garden been searched?" asked Pizarro.
"The guard hath hunted every nook of grounds and buildings," replied the secretary. "Doubtless she went last night with Peralta."
"When didst learn of it, Rogelio?" demanded Pizarro, after a moment of silence.
The veedor passed his sleeve across his forehead and snuffled, "Just now—just came from her room."
Mendoza was upon him again. "Just came from her room!" he thundered. "What devil's business hadst thou in her room? Didst not swear to keep away until we had played once more? What business, thou lizard?"
Rogelio sidled from his seat precipitately and took refuge behind Pizarro before replying. "She's mine!" he squeaked. "I won her at dice. Pizarro, I claim your protection as a civil officer of the Crown."
"With a wife and five small children at home!" added Almagro, with a disagreeable laugh. "Fie, Rogelio!"
Rogelio blinked at him viciously, and Pizarro ended the discussion. "You will settle your affairs elsewhere, Señores. This is no place for it." He bowed significantly, and both left the room, the veedor tarrying uncomfortably until Mendoza should be out of the palace.
The veedor was quartered with Riquelme a few squares from the plaza.