"Don Roderigo is very astute, and has persuaded him that between them they can work out a pacific reform," said Dr Passo.
"If an angel had told me I would not have believed Evaña capable of yielding to such counsel from a Spaniard," said Beruti.
"An angel has more to do with it than you think," said Belgrano musingly. "Let us go, we shall see no more of Evaña to-day, and without him we can do nothing."
"They may arrest Evaña but they won't keep him long a prisoner," said Beruti.
Don Roderigo returned to his house after the council at the fort, very thoughtful and somewhat sad. As he crossed the patio he was met by Dolores, who, noting the sadness on his face, leaned upon his arm praying him to tell her what had happened.
"I fear a serious misfortune has befallen a great friend of ours, Lola," said he.
"Have they caught Don Juan Martin?" asked Dolores, in alarm.
"No, it is another who is in danger, one who is very dear to me, Lola, almost as a son to me."
"Don Carlos?" said Dolores, in a faltering voice.