"In spite of the utmost diligence, as I was constrained to take the greatest precaution lest I should fall again into the hands of the ladrones, who doubtless started in pursuit of me. I only arrived this morning, and came straight to the palace."
The Count bit his lips, several hours had been lost through his fault; still he did not notice the indirect reproach addressed to him by the spy, for he comprehended all its justice.
"You have fairly earned the ten thousand piastres promised, Don Antonio," he said.
The spy gave a start of pleasure.
"Ah, that is not all," he answered, with a meaning smile.
"What else is there?" the Count remarked; "I believed that you had nothing further to tell me."
"That depends, Excellency. I have made my official report to the Governor-General of Hispaniola, it is true—a very detailed report indeed—in which I have forgotten nothing that might help him to defend the island entrusted to his care."
"Well?"
"Well, my lord, I have now to give the Count de Bejar, of course, if he desire it, certain information which I believe will interest him."
The Count fixed on the man an investigating glance, as if he wished to read his very soul.