Loyal Heart had watched this strange scene attentively and coldly.
"A moment," he said; then, slipping forward, he laid his hand on the Jaguar's shoulder.
The latter raised his head.
"What do you want of me?" he asked.
"Listen to me, Caballero," Loyal Heart answered in a deep voice; "I know not why, but a secret foreboding tells me that your conduct is not so infamous as everything leads us to suppose, and that some day you will be permitted to explain it, and exculpate yourself in the sight of all."
"Oh! were it but possible for me to speak!"
"How long do you believe that you will be compelled to remain silent?"
"How do I know? That depends on circumstances independent of my will."
"Then, you cannot fix a period?"
"It is impossible; I have taken an oath, and am bound to keep it."