Gascoigne pulled out his doubloons—and Jack did the same, coolly observing:
“I thought we were only to show silver, Ned!”
“It needed not that,” replied the gentleman; “your conduct in this affair, your manners and address, fully convince me that you are what you represent—but were you common peasants, I am equally indebted to you for my life, and you may command me. Tell me in what way I can be of service.”
“In giving us something to eat, for we have had nothing for many, many hours. After that we may, perhaps, trespass a little more upon your kind offices.”
“You must, of course, be surprised at what has passed, and curious to know the occasion,” said the gentleman; “you have a right to be informed of it, and shall be, as soon as you are more comfortable; in the meantime, allow me to introduce myself as Don Rebiera de Silva.”
“I wish,” said Jack, who, from his knowledge of Spanish, could understand the whole of the last part of the Don’s speech, “that he would introduce us to his breakfast.”
“So do I,” said Gascoigne; “but we must wait a little—he ordered the ladies to prepare something instantly.”
“Your friend does not speak Italian,” said Don Rebiera.
“No, Don Rebiera, he speaks French and Spanish.”
“If he speaks Spanish my daughter can converse with him; she has but shortly arrived from Spain. We are closely united with a noble house in that country.”