Lord Hartfield read three or four pages of plain statement as to various adventures by sea and land in which Gomez de Montesma had figured, and the reputation which he bore in Cuba and on the Main.
'You can vouch for this?' he said at last, after a long silence.
'For every syllable.'
'The story of his marriage?'
'Gospel truth: I knew the lady.'
'And the rest?'
'All true.'
'A thousand thanks. I know now upon what ground I stand. I have to save an innocent, high-bred girl from the clutches of a consummate scoundrel.'
'Shoot him, and shoot her, too, if there's no better way of saving her. It will be an act of mercy,' said Mr. Fitzpatrick, without hesitation.