"You are mistaken, villain, and you shall have a proof of it."
"Holloa!" the adventurer exclaimed, as he retired precipitately to the door.
But, with a gesture rapid as thought, Don Rufino seized one of Don Marcos's pistols, cocked it, and ere Kidd could effect the retreat he was meditating, he fired, and the adventurer lay on the ground with a bullet in his chest.
"Die, brigand!" the senator shouted, as he threw down the weapon he had used.
"Yes," the bandit muttered, "but not unavenged. It was well played, master; but your turn will soon arrive—"
And stiffening with a final convulsion, the ruffian expired, retaining on his features even after death an expression of mocking defiance, which caused the senator an involuntary tremor.
"What is the matter here?" the colonel asked, suddenly entering.
"Nothing very important," Don Rufino said, carelessly. "I was carried away by my passion, and settled this scoundrel."
"¡Viva Dios! You were right, señor; I only regret that you have anticipated me, for I have proofs of his treachery.—Ho, there! Remove this carrion, and throw it out," he shouted to some soldiers who accompanied him, and had remained in the anteroom.
The soldiers obeyed, and the adventurer's body was thrown unceremoniously into the street.