"Have you any proofs?"
"None."
"You must be mad, Don Blas, fear troubles your senses."
"God grant that I am deceived!"
"Listen! Nothing forces you to follow us. Remain here till we return: in that way, whatever may happen, you will escape the dangers which in your idea menace us."
The capataz drew himself up to his full height.
"Enough, Don Gaëtano," he said coldly. "In warning you I acted as my conscience commanded. You will not attend to my advice—you need not do so; I have done my duty as I was bound to do. You wish to march forward. I will follow you, and hope soon to prove to you that if I am prudent, I can be as brave as any man when it is necessary."
"Thanks!" the count answered, affectionately pressing his hand: "I felt sure that you would not abandon me."
At this moment a great disturbance was heard outside, and Lieutenant Diégo Léon entered precipitately.
"What is the matter, lieutenant?" the count asked sternly. "What means this startled face? Why do you enter in this way?"