Lopez kept his eyes fixed on Ashby as he spoke, though he addressed Harry.
"Señors," said he, "I am glad that I have come in time to avert so horrible a crime. You, señor," he continued, addressing Harry, "may retire: you are free. You will be respected and protected by my followers, and may either go, or remain till our return to Vittoria. As for Señor Ashby, I wish to have a brief conversation with him."
At this Harry bowed, and with some further expression of gratitude went out of the room a free man, his heart swelling with exultation and joy and hope.
"Señor Ashby," said Lopez, "we have met again."
Ashby bowed.
"Señor Ashby," continued Lopez, "insults have been given and received on both sides, and we are already under engagements to have a hostile meeting. Is it not so?"
Ashby bowed again.
Lopez had spoken these words in a low tone, which was inaudible to his men. He now turned and ordered them to withdraw, and stand outside until further orders.
They obeyed.
"Señor Ashby," he continued, "the lady is here for whom we both are seeking. It was about her that our quarrel arose."