"And I am certain of it. Are you devoted to your master?"
"My family have lived on the estate for two hundred years."
"That is not a reason; answer distinctly."
"I am devoted to him body and soul, and would willingly lay down my life for him."
"That is the way to answer; however, I knew it already, and only desired that your lips should confirm what I have been told."
"My master has no secrets from me."
"I know that also. Well, now, listen to me attentively, Señor Paredes, for what I have to reveal to you is of the utmost gravity."
"I am listening to you, Señor."
"Your master is at this moment in danger of being utterly ruined. He is the plaything of villains who have sworn to destroy him. The sum you are going to fetch they intend to take from you, and everything is prepared to make you fall into an infamous trap, in which you will infallibly perish."
"Are you certain of what you assert?" the majordomo exclaimed, in horror.