"Then why was he so put out at meeting with us?"
"Well, naturally he would not want his secret known."
My father's idea was feasible enough, but it did not altogether satisfy me; yet what could I do? If Montilla were playing false, I seemed almost as guilty in not denouncing him. But for Rosa's sake I could not bring myself to act; and after all, it was merely a matter of suspicion.
About three days before the sailing of the expedition I rode home to spend the evening. José met me at the outer gate, and I saw in a moment that something had happened.
"What is it?" I asked. "Have you come to meet me?"
"Yes. Send your horse on; I want to talk to you."
We walked across the park out of earshot, when José said in a whisper, as if still fearful of being overheard,—
"He is here again."
"He!" said I; "who?"
"Lureña. He went into Don Felipe's house half an hour ago."