Hall in Manuel’s house. Enter PALICIO in woman’s clothes, bleeding, a dagger in his hand.

PALICIO.

No one, no sound. Can I hide here I am safe.

I have given the curs the slip, if I can hide.

Safe ... But this wound, the blood runs like a river:

Unless they track me by it I am clear—so far.

A paltry stab. I’ll bind it round and tie it

To stop the blood—so, so. Now, where to hide?

For here is no protection; ’tis the house

Of the chief justiciary ... a doubtful ’scape