"You are deceiving yourself, caballero," answered Don Guzman coolly.
"Oh! This time I swear you are mistaken."
"Then I shall go alone!—That is all."
"Beware, once more!" said the colonel; "My patience is exhausted."
"And mine, colonel! Yes, I repeat, I scorn your threats! Do what you think fit, caballero. God will aid me."
At these words a disdainful smile passed over the lips of the colonel; he rose, and planted himself before Don Guzman, who was standing in the middle of the room.
"Are those your last words, señor?" said he.
"The last."
"Your blood be upon your own head! It is you who have willed it so," shouted the colonel, casting on him a glance of fury.
And without taking any further notice of his foe, who remained apparently cold and impassive, he turned to leave the chamber, a prey to the most violent emotion.