He paused significantly.
"My shame?" asked Alvarado.
"Thy death, señor, for what you have done. No other punishment is meet. Did Donna Mercedes send any message to me?"
Alvarado could not trust himself to speak. He bowed deeply.
"What was it?"
The young man stood silent before him.
"Well, I will learn from her own lips if she be alive when we come to the city. I doubt not it will excuse thee."
"I seek not to shelter myself behind a woman."
"That's well," said the old man. "But now, what is to be done with thee?"
"My lord, give me a chance, not to live, but to die honestly. Let me play my part this day as becomes a man, and when Donna Mercedes is restored to your arms——"