'That tale of course is false. Impossible. It does not deceive me. No Castilian man of honour placed by His Catholic Majesty in authority could be guilty of such turpitude. You hear, sir Alcalde, how this misguided pirate imperils his immortal soul by bearing false witness.'
The perspiring Alcalde's answer did not come as promptly as his Eminence expected it. 'But is it possible that you hesitate?' he asked, as if startled, leaning forward.
Desperately Don Hieronimo broke into stumbling speech. 'It is that… Dios mio! The tale is grossly exaggerated. It — '
'Exaggerated!' The gentle voice was suddenly and sharply raised. 'Exaggerated? Not wholly false, then?'
The only answer he received was a cringing hunch of the Alcalde's shoulders and a glance that fell in fear under the prelate's stern eyes.
The Cardinal–Archbishop sank back into his chair, his face inscrutable, his voice of an ominous quiet.
'You have leave to go. You will request the Captain–General of Havana to wait upon me here in person. I require to know more of this.'
'He … he may require safe–conduct,' stuttered the unfortunate Alcalde.
'It is granted him,' said Captain Blood.
'You hear? I shall expect him at the earliest.' And the scarlet hand with its sapphire ring majestically waved Don Hieronimo away.