"Does 'ee understand?" exclaimed Don Lazarillo.
"Perfectly," I answered. "It would be strange if I could not understand your pure English, sir," addressing Don Christoval.
"What we want to know is——" began Captain Dopping.
"Patience," interrupted Don Christoval, elevating his hand. "It is probable," he continued, turning to me, "that we may have to employ force. I hope not, but we are prepared," he added, with a flash in his eyes. "The lady is my wife: you will allow that I have a right to her?"
"Undoubtedly," said I.
"The marriage was in all senses lawful. I can produce the necessary documentary evidence. I can produce my dear one's letter in which she communicates to me the perfidious conduct of her father. You will own that I have a greater right to my wife than her father has to his daughter."
"You will own that?" rasped out Captain Dopping. "The law sets the husband first. He's afore all hands."
"That is so; that need not be reasoned," said I.
"Will you," said Don Christoval, "agree to assist me in obtaining possession of my wife?"