"Without condition!" he resumed, knitting his eyebrows, and casting a sinister look at the marchioness.
The only active sentiment in the heart of this man—his superstition—had been aroused. Perhaps to seize these relics that he coveted he would not have recoiled from a crime.
The marchioness immediately perceived the thought, indistinct as it was, that agitated his obtuse mind. She exhibited no emotion, and continued:
"These relics would immediately lose their virtue if they were taken by violence from the person who possesses them."
"Ah!" murmured he, with a sullen and husky voice, "They must be freely given?"
"They must," coldly answered the marchioness.
Doña Eva had felt a shudder of fear run through her limbs at the concealed threat of the bandit; but his exclamation reassured her; she saw that the wild beast was tamed.
"What is this condition?" pursued he.
"I wish to know if some strangers arrived in the camp yesterday."
"They arrived this morning."