“And what is that?”
“Señoritas Starland and Estacardo were passengers on the boat, but ten miles down the river they went ashore, and, under the escort of two soldiers, set out for the summer home of General Yozarro.”
“Where is that?”
“A mile from the river among the mountains; the air there is cooler than at Atlamalco, and General Yozarro spends much of the hot season at Castillo Descanso, or ‘Castle of Rest.’ Señorita Estacardo is his niece; he is a widower; he loves your sister and he hopes by his kindness and attention to win her for his wife, and to do this, he sees he must keep you and her apart as long as he can.”
“The infernal scoundrel! She shall die before wedding him!”
“He knows how you feel: that is why he strives to keep you apart.”
“He’ll have a good time in doing it! Do you know the path that leads to the summer quarters of this precious dog?”
“Well enough to guide you thither, but Martella knows it better than I.”
“Can he be hired to guide us thither?”
“No, for he will do so without pay.”