Elias fixed his melancholy eyes on Ibarra’s and went on:
“When the justice of man tries to clear up this mystery, and your testimony is taken, I entreat you not to speak to any one of the warning I gave you.”
“Do not be alarmed,” said Crisóstomo, losing interest; “I know you are pursued, but I’m not an informer.”
“I don’t speak for myself, but for you,” said Elias, with some haughtiness. “I have no fear of men.”
Ibarra grew surprised. This manner of speaking was new, and did not comport with the state or fortunes of the helmsman.
“Explain yourself!” he demanded.
“I am not speaking enigmas. To insure your safety, it is necessary that your enemies believe you blind and confiding.”
“To insure my safety?” said Ibarra, thoroughly aroused.
“You undertake a great enterprise,” Elias went on. “You have a past. Your grandfather and your father had enemies. It is not criminals who provoke the most hatred; it is honorable men.”
“You know my enemies, then?”