He crossed the room and took the weapon from a table, with its leathern case.
'I should be glad if you could return it by two o'clock,' he said, 'as I am going away.'
'Certainly,' replied the officer, quietly taking the revolver out of its case. 'It is loaded, I see. Thank you. Now Don Tebaldo, will you kindly sit down for a few moments? I wish to speak to you.'
He held the revolver in his right hand, and his quiet gray eyes looked gravely at the man he had caught. Tebaldo started at the sudden change of tone, and faced him, in renewed surprise.
'I borrowed your revolver in order to speak with you,' said the lieutenant, 'for I have heard that you have a sudden and violent temper. But I wish to speak in a quiet and friendly way. Shall we sit down?' He took a chair with his left hand.
'I am at a loss to understand you,' answered Tebaldo, with rising anger. 'What do you want?'
'I will explain. I am aware that you have spent the night with the brigands, who are friends of yours. You will either lead me to them, or you will go to prison. I have a couple of men downstairs, waiting. Now choose.'
'This is outrageous!' Tebaldo's voice rang high, as he sprang forward.
But the sight of the revolver's muzzle close to his face stopped him, though his eyes blazed with fury.
'It is of no use to be angry,' said the officer, who was perfectly cool. 'Choose, if you please.'