“I suspect them to be the assassins of my colleague,” the knight returned; “I have proof to that effect by which you can judge if I have done more than my duty, señor.”
“Speak on,” the other said, and Padilh at once gave a brief narrative of the events within his knowledge.
At the end, the marquis said: “I was hasty in thinking you over zealous. These fellows must be brought face to face with their accuser, and to make that sure, their examination shall be immediate. Send quickly for the Moor you speak of—but how is it that you are without a cap, Don Pedro?”
“I met the viceroy bare-headed,” the knight answered, with honest bluntness.
At which Santa Cruz, something nettled, exclaimed:
“By the three kings! You will teach us presently to be worthy our spurs!”
The captors of the unfortunate viceroy returned to the presence of the marquis with no good grace.
“Answer no questions,” Hilo muttered to the captain, “and they can prove nothing.”
But both were startled by the appearance of a witness they believed beyond the power of lifting a finger, and leagues away. Hilo uttered a savage oath of surprise, and Wolfang stood staring at the former mute, with his villainous mouth agape. Both heard the deposition read through and affirmed, without interfering or replying a syllable to any questions asked. The captain’s animal spirits had quite deserted him, and sullenness gave his face strong resemblance to a bull’s, while his fellow prisoner’s sharp features suited the cat-like activity of his eyes.
“The evidence is complete enough,” the marquis exclaimed finally; “and, by Heaven, gentlemen, these villains shall swing within twenty-four hours. Off with their sorry disguises, and let us see if they will persist in their insolence still.”