"A very prudent precaution, Colonel Livenza, and one for which I am infinitely obliged to you," I said quietly, as I pushed open the door of the cupboard and stepped out, revolver in hand. The look of exultant triumph changed to one of craven fear, as he gave a violent start and stared at me, his lips livid, and his face white with the whiteness of death. He tried to answer, but for the moment could force no words, and his lips moved in a soundless question inspired by his overpowering dismay at my appearance. Sarita gave me a look of reproach. "Why did you do this?" "That we three may talk without interruption," I answered, not taking my eyes from Livenza’s face. "Without interruption," I repeated, meaningly and sternly. "Colonel Livenza knows me, and he knows that as he has the key of the door in his pocket there must be delay, even were he to summon his men; and that the minute of that delay would be his last on earth." "I shall not call anyone," he said, his voice no longer jaunty and truculent, but hoarse, broken, and abject, the voice of a coward in deadly fear. "I am glad to hear it. You will therefore show your confidence in me further by laying your weapon on the table." "There is no need for that. I don’t wish——" "On the table, there," I said sternly, pointing to it. "I have no objection," he declared, with a start at my stern tone; and with trembling fingers he drew his sword and laid it down, and then put his revolver by the side of it, and sighed. "Hand the key of the door to Senorita Castelar," I bade him next, and without a murmur he obeyed. "Now we can talk without restraint," I said, and put his sword and revolver on a chair behind him. "Be good enough to answer my questions fully. How comes it you have found your way here to this out-of-the-way place at this precise moment?" "I heard that this was a house where Carlists were likely——" "Wait," I broke in, angrily. "Tell the truth, the full truth; no half lies and generalities and equivocations; and don’t forget that I also know much—more than enough to test every word you say. If you lie, the interview ends—and the end will not be well for you. Now, answer my question." "Sebastian Quesada’s spies in Daroca found out that Senorita Castelar was here, and I came in search of her." "That’s better. Now, what secret arrangement has there been between you and Quesada affecting your relations with the senorita? Remember, I know it, but wish her to hear it from you." The question set him trembling in dire agitation, and for some moments he stood hesitating and perplexed, trying vainly to speak. "What do you mean?" he muttered. "Answer," I said, sternly. "And mind, the truth." Again he wrestled with his feelings, and then in a low voice: "He knew of my passion for her, and—and thought that if she was to be arrested, I had best do it." "You are lying, Colonel Livenza," I said. "I am unarmed," he muttered, shifting his eyes uneasily.