“It will never be used at all unless it should become necessary in order to explain Mademoiselle Dominguez’ connexion with your plot.” “Become necessary?” he repeated. “What does that mean?” “If the plot should be discovered and she should be in any danger.” “But it has been discovered already. It has failed. You discovered it because of the facts which had come to your knowledge as the result of the Rua Catania affair.” “I do not intend to discuss the matter with you, Dr. Barosa. You can do as you please about writing what I require.” “And if I refuse?” I shrugged my shoulders. “You must infer what you will.” “I will put it on another ground. I accepted unconditionally your pledge of secrecy and was instrumental in saving you subsequently from very serious consequences at the hands of those who questioned your good faith. As a return for that service I ask you to tell me exactly what you know.” “The service of which you speak was followed by your secret visit to my rooms--with Henriques; and Major Sampayo told me this morning the object of that visit,” I said very drily. “Sampayo was very frank about you.” “What did he say?” he asked, quite unruffled by this thrust. “You can ask him on his return. And now, I am going.” He had remained close to the door and he turned and locked it and put the key in his pocket. “Our interview cannot end in this abrupt way, Mr. Donnington. The cause I have at heart may be ruined by you. You have told Contesse Inglesia that you were on the _Rampallo_ the night before last, and I must know what you overheard and what use you intend to make of that information.” “Open that door or give me the key,” I said sternly. “I shall do neither. I am armed, as probably you are; and if you wish to force a struggle you must do so.” Like a fool, I had come without a revolver; but I clapped my hand to my pocket as if I had one there; and then paused. “I don’t want your blood on my head,” I exclaimed. But he was not deceived. “Ah, I perceive you have not thought that precaution necessary,” he said quietly. “Well, I mean you no harm, but we must talk this thing out and then I pledge you my word to open the door. Will you answer my questions?” I was, in a mess, and if I was to get out, it would not be by force; unless I could succeed in catching him off his guard. So I threw myself into a chair and laughed. “You are right. I am not armed. But the weapon I have is stronger than a revolver. I had my suspicions roused about the _Rampallo_, and I got on board her in time to hear all your discussion on the news which M. Dagara sent you.” “Ah, as a spy!” he sneered. “Yes; as a spy, if you like. As a result, Captain Gompez and his companions carried me off instead of the king; and this morning my men from the _Stella_ came aboard and I returned here.” “Where are my friends now?” “On the _Rampallo_ in charge of my people.” “Why did you interfere? What could it matter to you?”