“I ascertained afterwards that I was wrong. Dagara told me.” “But why should Inez be so false as you suggest?” “She is instigated by Dr. Barosa.” “And what is his motive, then?” It was an awkward question. “I know the motive; but you may doubt the truth. Let me tell you first what has occurred. When I learnt the truth as to the abduction plot----” “When did you learn it, and how?” “I was present on the _Rampallo_ when they all met there, and I overheard the whole matter discussed and settled. I then planned matters so that I should be mistaken for the king and carried off in his stead. That was done last night. I was taken to the _Rampallo_ and was on her all the night. My own yacht followed; and this morning my people boarded the _Rampallo_, released me and made prisoners of every man on the yacht. Under the charge of my friend, Mr. Burroughs, the _Rampallo_ has been sent off with the men and I came back to free you.” “But how could that free me?” “In one of two ways. Either by forcing Dr. Barosa to free you from all connexion with the conspiracy; or by making your pardon a condition of my handing over these men to the authorities with a full statement of what had occurred. Now, except myself and those in my confidence on the _Stella_, there is not a man in Lisbon, outside those in the plot, who knows the facts.” She listened in rapt attention, sat thinking a few moments, and then put out her hand. “Can you forgive me for hesitating to go with you? I have been distracted with fear.” “There is nothing to forgive. All I ask is that you come with me at once. You would be safer in the hands of the police than here.” “Tell me why? And you have not explained Dr. Barosa’s object. He has been kindness itself in all this trouble.” “He stopped you from leaving with the visconte,” I reminded her. “There was a reason. My presence was still necessary to get the information from M. Dagara. But Dr. Barosa and Inez are going to take my mother and myself away to-day to join the visconte in Paris.” “They will do nothing of the kind. They are false to you right through. The contesse herself is being deceived by Barosa. Sampayo is among the men on the _Rampallo_; and I got from him to-day the real truth why you were compelled to betroth yourself to him. It is not a pretty story, but you must hear it. He----” I stopped abruptly as Inez entered. She was smiling, but far less collectedly than usual. “Well, have you persuaded Mr. Donnington that you must remain here, Miralda?” “No; I am going with him, Inez.” “You must do as you please, of course, but you know the danger.” “I am going home.” “You do not think we can take care of her, Mr. Donnington? What have you told her to cause this change of plan?” “I will gladly tell you all I have said if you will accompany us. Miralda is naturally anxious to reassure her mother as soon as possible.”