"I can tell you better if you inform me what the message is, and what the name of the writer is."
"Well, I can tell you the name of the writer; it is the late Señor Alvarez."
"Ah! I heard that a letter had been lost—that, then, was what you found instead of the plan. Do you know, my friend, that this places you in a very awkward position? You will do well to hand the letter over to me. The slightest whisper of suspicion—"
The man glared viciously at the speaker, then snapped out:
"You may be quite sure that as you are the only man who knows anything about it, I shall take care that you swing on the same gallows."
Don Miguel shifted his feet uneasily.
"You need not fear, my friend; I am not the man to betray you. I merely thought it would be safer for you if this letter were in my possession."
"Oh, no doubt! but, Señor," added Quintanar with a harsh laugh, "I couldn't allow you to take the risk—especially as the letter is of no value to you. I need not detain you, Señor."
Miguel considered a moment, tapping the floor lightly with his foot.
"What do you want for the paper?"