"Where did the Carlists go?"
"I have no idea."
"Where did you come from last?"
"Barcelona."
"Where are you going now?"
"To England," said Brooke; "and finally." he added, "allow me to show you this, which I am sure will establish my character in your eyes."
With these words he drew forth a paper and handed it to Lopez. The latter took it, and one of the men lighted a bit of wood which served as a torch, after which Lopez read the following:
"Head-quarters, Vittoria, May 10th. 1873.
"This is to certify that the bearer of this is an American citizen named Raleigh Brooke, and is correspondent of a New York journal. He has permission to traverse our lines in pursuit of his business. CONCHA."
Lopez read it over a second time.