"Are you sure there is no way? Quite sure?"
"Quite sure."
"May I say something that strikes me?"
"Say anything you choose."
"There is a plot against you. You seem to know it. Have you never thought of plotting on your side?"
"I have no one to help me."
"You have me, if you will take my help. And you have Spicca. You might do better, but you might do worse. Between us we might accomplish something."
Maria Consuelo had started at Spicca's name. She seemed very nervous that day.
"Do you know what you are saying?" she asked after a moment's thought.
"Nothing that should offend you, at least."