"It is no insult," the adventurer answered, in his old tone; "it is the truth, and you know it as well as I."
"I should be curious to know the meaning of this," the Mexican tried to say.
Don Miguel looked at him fixedly; and, in spite of his impudence, Don Stefano could not endure the glance.
"I will satisfy you," the adventurer said.
"I am listening."
"To my first question you answered that your name was Don Stefano Cohecho?"
"Well?"
"That is false; for your name is Don Estevan de Real del Monte."
The accused gave a slight start. Don Miguel continued:—"To my second question, you replied that you were born at Mazatlán, in 1808. That is false; you were born at Guanajuato, in 1805."
The adventurer waited a moment, to give the man he addressed time to reply. But Don Estevan, whose right name we will in future adhere to, did not think it advisable to do so. He remained cold and gloomy. Don Miguel smiled contemptuously, and continued:—