"Come, my poor child," she said, "we must go away from here, for we are accused of seeking to deceive and of having told a story that is not true. Come, let us go at once, so that they may know that we seek aid only from God and ourselves."
But Mario held her back.
"We have had enough of distrust," he said to her; "we must do what they ask, mother. Give me the letter and the ring! They are mine; I want them this moment!"
Lucilio was impressed by the child's vehemence, and the Moor, utterly dumbfounded, said nothing for several moments.
Never before had Mario spoken so to her; never had she detected in him the slightest tendency to independence; and now, in the most peremptory way, he ordered her to do his bidding.
She was afraid; she thought that some miracle had happened; all her strength of will vanished before the idea that fate had intervened. She took from her belt the sheepskin bag in which she had sewn the precious objects.
"That is not all, mother," said Mario; "I must have the knife too."
"You will not dare to touch it, boy! it is the knife that killed——"
"I know it; I have seen it before now. It is necessary that I should touch it, and I will touch it. Give it to me!"
Mercedes handed him the knife, and said, clasping her hands: