"Ah! I am glad to hear we are not so very much less civilised than our old friends and allies, who are apt to boast themselves so much our superiors," returned the stranger. "We have now arrived at your house, senhor, and I will not detain you; but as I have many questions to ask respecting England, I should wish to see you to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, and till then, adeos." "I regret that I cannot do myself that honour, senhor," answered Don Luis; "for I intend to set forward at daybreak to visit my father, who is in the country." "I should advise you to defer your journey to a later hour," said the stranger, in rather an angry tone. "I shall esteem your doing so a favour," he added, more mildly, as if correcting himself. "You also forget that you will be obliged to appear at the examinations of the ruffians who attacked you. For the present, I will leave Captain Pinto with you, who will perhaps accompany you in the morning. Adeos, Senhor Pinto, till the morning, when I shall see you with your young friend." Saying which, the stranger moved on, without waiting for an answer, leaving the Captain respectfully bowing, and Don Luis much amazed, at the door of the palace, at which one of the guards had loudly knocked. After sundry careful interrogations from within, the door was unbarred and opened. "Who is that man, who seems of so much authority here?" eagerly demanded Don Luis of his friend, as they were admitted into the hall by old Lucas. "No other than Sebastiao Joze de Carvalho," answered the Captain; one of the ministers of the king, "who does more work in a day than the other two in a month, and has more brains in his head and courage in his heart than all the fidalgos in Portugal put together. You will do well to follow his request; for he is not fond of having his wishes neglected." "In one respect I will, in requesting you to take up your abode here," said Don Luis, as they mounted the steps, preceded by the old steward. "Of the rest we will consider; but I like not his authoritative tone." "Well, I will set you the example of obedience, by accepting your hospitality instead of returning on board my ship; and I trust you will follow my advice for the rest."