"Don't be puffed up, or imagine the general was afraid of you," laughed Santiago.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, affecting to feel disappointed, "that alters the case. But why should he be angry at my escape?"
"Because he really wished to keep you out of mischief."
"Then I have sadly misjudged him."
"I think you have. Of course, I don't profess to understand the matter, but it seems to be something in this way. When we have crushed this rebellion, the estates of those who have borne arms against the king will be confiscated."
"Spoils to the victors!" I laughed; "an old-fashioned principle."
"And, of course," continued Santiago, not heeding the interruption, "your father's estates will be among them. Now, as far as I can gather, Barejo thought that by preventing you from joining the rebels something might be saved from the wreck."
"That was very kind of the general," I remarked. "I had no idea that he took any interest in my affairs. But isn't it possible, major, that you are going a trifle too fast? Suppose, for instance, that the rebels, as you call us, should win?"
The major tossed his head scornfully.
"That is utterly impossible!" he answered, with a short, quick snap.