"Listen, Diego," said he, at last; "see that the servants arm themselves quietly, and be ready at the first signal; but act prudently, so as to avoid suspicion."
"Trust me, Excellency," said the old servitor, with a smile of intelligence.
For thirty years Diego had been in the service of the Ribera family; many a time had he given his master proof of his boundless attachment.
"Ah, well," replied Don Guzman good humouredly; "I know pretty well what you can do."
"And the horses?" continued the servant.
"Let them stay where they are."
"Even if we are to be off directly?" said Diego, in amazement.
"We shall be off so much the sooner, muchacho," said the don, whispering to his servant, "if they do not think we have seen their trap and are about to throw dust in their eyes."
Diego nodded.
"And Don Bernardo?" he asked.