I looked up at him, and felt reassured; there could be no treachery hidden behind that frank, open countenance.
"It seems to me you are talking nonsense, Santiago," I said cheerfully. "A man's word is his bond in any case—that is, if he be a man."
He took no notice of my remark, but sat musing, leaving half his food untouched. As for me, I helped myself to some more beef, though I must confess the major's wild talk nearly destroyed my appetite. His manner had changed so suddenly and abruptly that I knew not what to make of it. I might perhaps have reloaded my pistol without his knowledge, but this would be a confession that I had lost faith in him.
"Come," said I jocularly, pointing to his food, "you pay your cooking a poor compliment."
To this he made no reply, but looking up after a time exclaimed,—
"I have news for you. I had almost forgotten, but I must tell you before going."
"Going?" I cried; "we cannot go before the doctor arrives."
"You cannot, but I can, and must. My mind is made up. Do not try to thwart me; I should be sorry if you got hurt. Sit still, my boy; don't stir a finger, or I will kill you!"
I looked at him in amazement. His face was flushed, his eyes shone wildly; he spoke with a rapid and angry vehemence.
"By St. Philip," he cried, "I should be a cur to place honour before loyalty! My duty is to my king, do you hear? Shall I help a parcel of bandits to set the king at naught? Shall I bring disgrace on a family that has stood by the throne for untold centuries? My father died on the battlefield with the king's banner above his head, as did his father before him. And I am to stay in a cage when the door is open! I am to let these upstarts trample on the king's rights!"