"Why, I thought you were a constant visitor at Villa Moraquitos!"
"I am so," replied Augustus.
"And you have never met Paul Lisimon?"
"Never, man! Don't question me, but answer me. Who is this Paul Lisimon?"
"My articled pupil, a young Mexican, a protege of Don Juan's who is studying for the law."
"Who is he, and where did he come from?" asked Augustus, eagerly.
"That no one knows," answered Craig; "the brother-in-law of Don Juan Moraquitos, Don Tomaso Crivelli, brought him to New Orleans thirteen years ago, when the little heiress was about six years old."
"Indeed!" muttered Augustus, biting his lip fiercely; "and the children were brought up together, I suppose?"
"They were."
"That explains all," said the planter, striding toward the door.