"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him.
"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness."
"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, taking a step forward.
Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate through the tissue of his mask.
"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,—"I leave to you the care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be present at the meeting tomorrow."
"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of astonishment that denoted incredulity.
"It was I who persuaded him to do so."
"You?"
"Yes, I."
"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in what manner we punish traitors?"