“Can I do anything more for you, Señores!” he asked.
“Another flask of this wine will not be objectionable, and a bundle of cigars would be welcome,” answered the chief alguazil, laughing at the thought of the comfortable quarters into which he had fallen, and determined to make the most of them.
“Certainly, Señores; I am sure my master would not object to afford all you require,” said José, going out to fetch what was asked for.
While he was absent, what was my horror to see the dog, who had now finished his meal, begin to snuff vehemently under the door of the secret passage, and then to work away with his paws, as if to try and open it! I turned pale with alarm, for I knew that all must be discovered; but still I thought it best to take no notice of the circumstance.
“What does the dog want there?” said one of the men.
“Rats are there, I suppose,” remarked another, whose wits the wine had somewhat dulled.
“Demonio has a strange fancy for rats,” said a third.
“Rats or not, I should like to have a look behind the door,” observed the chief alguazil, as the dog’s excitement increased.
I said nothing, and the officers seemed to fancy that I could not understand Spanish, so they did not trouble me with questions. Just then José returned.
“What is inside that door?” asked the chief alguazil abruptly.