"Does any one charge this upon the general?" said Juan, with a look of horror.
"Ay,—if you call them not 'villains,'" replied the soldier.
"I will know the truth," said Juan. "I will find who has belied me."
"You will find that of any one but Don Hernan. Señor Don Juan, I pity you. You have returned at an evil moment; your presence will chill old friends, and sharpen ancient enemies."
"If he seek my life, it is his: but, by heaven, the man who has wronged me,—"
"Get thy horse and arms first. Wilt thou be wise? Thou shalt have friends to back thee. Listen: A month since, there came for thee, in a ship from the islands, two very noble horses, and a suit of goodly armour, sent, as was said, by some benevolent friend, whom thou mayst be quicker at remembering than myself."
"Sent by heaven, I think," said Lerma, "for I know not what earthly friend would so supply my necessities."
"Oh, then," said Villafana, "the rumour is, they were sent thee by the lady Catalina, our general's wife."
"May heaven bless her!" exclaimed Juan; "for she is mine only friend: and this bounty I have not deserved."
"In this matter," said Villafana, dryly, "she will prove rather thine enemy; that is, if thou art resolute to demand the restoration of her gifts."