"Do you bring interesting news, then?"
"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!"
Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided.
"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don Louis wounded?"
"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger wounds."
"But how did it all happen?"
"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo."
"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me."
And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which he seemed well acquainted.