But I was in too high spirits at what I had gained to worry over the minor failure. Indeed, the prospect of a secret understanding with Miralda was so alluring that I was more than half disposed to be glad that the thing had taken this particular course, and decided not to lose a minute before telling her the news. I was hurrying off to her when I remembered my promise to have the money for Vasco. I had to get it from the bank, and while I was there it occurred to me to put the other papers I had forced from Sampayo in safe custody. I sealed them up and left them in the bank’s custody, with instructions that the packet was not to be given to any one--only to myself in person. This precaution started another line of thought. Sampayo was at bay, utterly desperate, fighting for all he cared for in life, and I must reckon with that and be on my guard. What was he likely to do? He had attempted my life once, even while he was only in doubt whether I could harm him. What would he do now that he knew and was desperate? I decided not to run the risk of being alone in my rooms until I knew that he was out of Lisbon. Instead of going straight to Miralda, therefore, I drove down to the quay and sent off a message by a boatman to Burroughs, my second in command on the _Stella_, to come to my rooms with a couple of the crew. Jack Burroughs was just the man for such a purpose--a ’Varsity man of good birth but very small means, with the roving instinct strongly developed, he had been half over the globe in search of adventure; and having a love of the sea, had jumped at my suggestion that he should come with me, partly as companion and partly to qualify himself to take command of the _Stella_ later on. Having dispatched the message I drove back to the visconte’s house. I was in luck, for Miralda was alone when the servant showed me into the room. She was not surprised by my visit and received me with some little restraint. Her eyes were troubled and her hand trembled as she placed it in mine. “I am glad to find you alone.” “I was expecting you, Mr. Donnington, but I am afraid I am sorry you have come.” “Expecting me? But no one except myself knew I was coming.” “You are the bearer of a letter, I think.” “Are you reading my thoughts? You amaze me.” She shook her head and smiled sadly. “It is unfortunately nothing occult. But I will ask you not to give me the letter.” I drew a deep breath of surprise. “Do you know what is in it?” “No--but please do not question me. You are mixing in matters which you cannot understand and I cannot explain. But do not give me the letter--I--I could not read it.” “Will you not say why? This is so extraordinary.” “I know it must seem so to you. Oh, why do you not leave the city?” she burst out impulsively. “But the news I bring is good news--at least I hope----” “Please, please,” she interposed, holding up her hand. “But if you don’t know the contents of the letter why mustn’t you read it?”