She did his bidding mechanically, watching his face the while with wondering and frightened eyes.
“Now,” she said, “tell me. I can bear this no longer. Where are Francisco and Otter?”
“Alas! Juanna, they are dead,” he answered solemnly.
“Dead,” she wailed, wringing her hand. “Francisco dead! Why then are we still alive?”
“Have courage and listen, Juanna. After you went to sleep in the palace, Soa came to us with a plan which we accepted.”
“What was the plan?” she asked hoarsely.
Twice he strove to tell her and twice he failed—the words would not come.
“Go on. Why do you torment me?”
“It was this, Juanna: that Francisco should be dressed in the robe of Aca, and offered up with Otter in your place, while you were hidden away.”
“Has it been done?” she whispered.