''In what way?'
''In this way; it shows we have an enemy who has an inkling of our secret, and is striving to snatch the prize from us. What course to take I am at a loss to know. Adéle advises to make sure of Pepito, at any price.'
''And that strikes me as being your surest if not your only course.'
''Yes, the surest; but how to make sure of him?'
''By outbidding your competitors, and proving to him that in adhering to you he is best serving his own interests.'
''But he is base enough to take bribes from both sides, and betray each.'
''Oh! that I were a man!' exclaimed Adéle, 'this fellow is the only one who knows our secret. One man ought not to stand in fear of another. Only one man crosses your path, Arthur.'
''Unless I murder him, how can he be silenced?'
''Murder him! It is not murder to kill a robber. Were I a man, I would not hesitate how to act.'
''The anxiety of Pedro,' I said, 'indicates you have an enemy. Have you any idea who he is?'