"Very well," said the Governor, "speak quickly then. What is your business here?"
"Excellency, you have publicly offered a handsome reward for any information concerning the contrabandists," continued the stranger. "Is it not so?"
"Ha!" said the Governor, "is that your errand here? What have you to say about those outlaws? Speak, speak quickly."
"Excellency, I must do so with caution," said the stranger, "otherwise I may condemn myself by what I have to communicate."
"Not so," interrupted Tacon, "the offer"—
"I know, Excellency, a free pardon is promised to him who shall turn state's evidence, but there may be circumstances"—
"The offer is unconditional, as it regards pardon."
"True, but"—
"I say you have naught to fear," continued Tacon; "the offered reward involves unconditional pardon to the informant."
"You offer an additional reward, Excellency, for the discovery of the leader of the contrabandists, Captain Marti."