"You don't suspect—"
"That he had a hand in his death? No, hardly that, though he is mean-spirited enough for it. But it struck me that, being high in the viceroy's favour, he probably knew what was going on."
"That is possible at least."
"Probable, I should say. However, to-morrow I intend putting the question to him."
"Do you mean that you are going to interview him on the subject?"
"Why not? There can be no harm in asking a straightforward question."
"Mind you don't lose your temper, my boy. It's dangerous work rousing a venomous snake until its poison bag is extracted."
"Never fear, José. I have learned how to take care of myself during the last few months. Thanks to you and the colonel, I have done some hard practising. And now turn in. It will seem strange to sleep in one's own bed again, won't it?"
"Make the most of it," advised he laughingly. "It may be a long time before you have another chance."
I felt very tired, and yet it was long before I fell asleep. I was angry at Montilla's double-dealing, sorry for Rosa, my old playmate, and agitated by a thousand vague doubts and suspicions.