"Good," the adventurer coldly remarked; "in that case, all the worse for you."
At this moment the door opened, and a tall and elegantly-dressed young man entered the room. At the sight of this young man a cunning smile illumined don Melchior's face.
"Eh!" he said, to himself, "Things may turn out differently from what this dear don Adolfo supposes."
The young man bowed politely, and walked up to the master of the house, with whom he shook hands.
"I am disturbing you?" he said, taking a careless glance at the supposed monk.
"On the contrary, my dear don Diego, you could not arrive more opportunely: but by what chance do I see you at so unusual an hour?"
"I have come to bring you good news: Count de la Saulay, your private enemy, is in our power; but, as he is a Frenchman, and certain considerations must be maintained, the general has decided to send him, under a good escort, to our most illustrious president. Another piece of good news, you are intrusted with the command of this escort."
"¡Demonios!" don Melchior exclaimed, triumphantly, "You are a good friend. But now it is my turn: look carefully at that monk, do you recognize him? Well, this man is no other than the adventurer called don Adolfo, don Olivero, don Jaime, or by a hundred names, who has so long been sought in vain."
"Can it be possible?" don Diego exclaimed.
"It is true," don Adolfo said.