They took some steps towards the door. But the young man, suddenly altering his mind, stopped, and turning briskly towards his two bodyguards, who followed him step for step—
"Parbleu!" said he to them, resolutely, "I have changed my mind, and since the opportunity for an explanation between us presents itself, I will profit by it."
"What is that he says?" asked the count, haughtily.
"Let the caballero speak," said the captain; "I am certain that he has something interesting to say."
"Yes, Señor, very interesting indeed, for me!"
"Ah, ah!" murmured the count; "Let us hear—it must be curious."
"You think so?"
"I am convinced of it."
"But, pardon," pursued the count; "are you not, like us, my dear sir, of opinion that it is not well to put the public in the confidence of things which concern us alone?"
"I can understand that you have an interest in seeking mystery; such is not my view. I wish, on the contrary, that the greatest publicity should be given to this conversation."