"Colonel Fernandez," Don Mario proceeded, impressively, "did me this favor, knowing me to be a suitor for Rosa's hand. In spite of his duty and the evidence he—"
"Evidence? What evidence?" Esteban asked, sharply.
"For one thing, your own letter to Lopez, the rebel, warning him to beware of the trap prepared for him in Santa Clara, and advising him of the Government force at Sabanilla. Oh, don't try to deny it! I read it with my own eyes, and it means—death."
In the ensuing silence the fat man's asthmatic breathing sounded loudly; it was like the respirations of an excited eavesdropper.
At last Rosa said, faintly: "Esteban! I warned you."
Esteban was taken aback, but it was plain that he was not in the least frightened. "They haven't caught me yet," he laughed.
"You say they intend to arrest me also?" Rosa eyed the caller anxiously.
"Exactly!"
"But why?"
"Yes! Who accuses her, and of what?" Esteban indignantly demanded.