"No," he said at last; "you are a man who cannot be trusted."

"Oh, how badly you know me, Excellency, when I am so devoted to you!"

The adventurer burst into a laugh.

"That is a devotion which has sprung up very rapidly," he said. "Well, I consent to make a trial: but suppose you deceive me?"

"It is enough, Excellency: I know you; you will be contented with me. What do you want?"

"You will only have to turn your dolman, that is all."

"Good, I understand, that is easy: my master will not take a step without your being warned of it."

"Good! Has not our dear don Melchior an intimate friend?"

"Yes, Excellency, a certain don Antonio Cacerbar. They are united like the fingers of a hand."

"There will be no harm in your watching him, too."