"Beware, caballero! When I came here, my purpose was friendly. Your obstinacy will compel me to break off a colloquy which we can never resume. I have but one thing to add: whatever the reason for my actions may be, I have only one wish—to save you. This is the sole explanation I have the right to give."
"But that will not suffice, caballero."
"And why, if it please you?" said the colonel haughtily.
"Because matters have occurred between you and a certain member of my family which give me a right to look upon any intentions of yours as hostile."
The colonel trembled; a livid pallor stole over his countenance.
"Indeed!" said he hoarsely. "So you know that, Señor Don Guzman?"
"I will answer you in the exact words in which you replied to me a few minutes ago; I know all!"
Don Bernardo cast down his eyes, and clenched his hands in concentrated rage.
There was silence for a time.
Just at this moment a sereno passed through the street, paused close to the walls of the house, and cried, in a cracked and drunken voice, the hour of the night: