"What other sum are you alluding to, General? You have found money, then?"
"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to the Spanish embassy, suggested the means to me."
Don Adolfo bounded as if he had been stung by a viper.
"Calm yourself, my friend," the general said quickly; "I know that you are an enemy of the duke; still, since his arrival in Mexico, he has rendered me great services, as you cannot deny."
The adventurer was pale and gloomy, and made no reply. The general continued, for, like all honestly-minded men, he felt the necessity of exculpating himself from a bad action, although the utmost pressure alone compelled him to commit it. "The duke," he said, "after the defeat of Silao, when everything failed me at the same moment, succeeded in inducing Spain to recognize my government, which was very useful to me, as you will allow, I think?"
"Yes, yes, I allow it, General. Oh, Heaven! What I was told is true, then!"
"And what were you told?"
"That, being reduced to the last extremity through the obstinate refusal of the clergy and merchants to assist you, you had formed a terrible resolution."
"It is true," the general, said, hanging his head.
"But perhaps it is not too late yet; I bring you money; your situation is changed, and with your permission I will go—"