“Most certainly. And if by chance you injure Oviedo, I shall not have you hauled up before a court-martial!”
They shook hands, and the Marquis ran out. As he crossed the threshold, Garcia shrugged his shoulders.
“His daughter is lost, but he, the fool, has been bought by me. All this would not have happened if she had married me.”
At the bottom of the staircase, the Marquis found Natividad waiting anxiously. In the street, they met Dick, who had come to look for them. He was pale and agitated, and it was evident that some extraordinary event had made him leave his post.
“What has happened?” asked the Marquis.
“Back to the inn, quick! We must decide on some course of action. What did Garcia say?”
“That he could do nothing for us. But he gave me money and a piece of advice that may save them. But what made you leave your post? Are they still there?”
“Yes. Only one person has left the house. Huascar. I followed, determined to corner him, and kill him like a dog, if need he. He went straight to our inn, and asked for you. They told him you had gone out, but were returning. He then said he would wait, so I came to fetch you.”
“They are saved!” exclaimed Don Christobal. “Why else should Huascar come to see me?”
“I don’t like the man, and don’t believe in him. You must not forget that you have to do with a fanatic, and one who owes Maria-Teresa a grudge.”