given to
brigands should be held to."

I did not at all like this turn in the conversation, the more
especially as my pistol was really empty. I had not dreamed of taking
any precautions, trusting wholly in the Spanish officer's honour.

I looked up at him, and felt reassured; there could be no treachery
hidden behind that frank, open countenance.

"It seems to me you are talking nonsense, Santiago," I said cheerfully.
"A man's word is his bond in any case--that is, if he be a man."

He took no notice of my remark, but sat musing, leaving half his food
untouched. As for me, I helped myself to some more beef, though I must
confess the major's wild talk nearly destroyed my appetite. His manner
had changed so suddenly and abruptly that I knew not what to make of
it. I might perhaps have reloaded my pistol without his knowledge, but
this would be a confession that I had lost faith in him.

"Come," said I jocularly, pointing to his food, "you pay your cooking a
poor compliment."

To this he made no reply, but looking up after a time exclaimed,--

"I have news for you. I had almost forgotten, but I must tell you
before going."

"Going?" I cried; "we cannot go before the doctor arrives."

"You cannot, but I can, and must. My mind is made up. Do not try to
thwart me; I should be sorry if you got hurt. Sit still, my boy; don't
stir a finger, or I will kill you!"

I looked at him in amazement. His face was flushed, his eyes shone
wildly; he spoke with a rapid and angry vehemence.

"By St. Philip," he cried, "I should be a cur to place honour before
loyalty! My duty is to my king, do you hear? Shall I help a parcel of
bandits to set the king at naught? Shall I bring disgrace on a family
that has stood by the throne for untold centuries? My father died on
the battlefield with the king's banner above his head, as did his
father before him. And I am to stay in a cage when the door is open!
I am to let these upstarts trample on the king's rights!"

The words swept from his lips in a sweeping, tempestuous torrent, and
when they were done he leaped to his feet with an angry cry. I sat in
my place looking at him steadily, but making no movement.

"I tell you it is monstrous!" he continued. "I care nothing for
myself, but I cannot desert the king!"

"His Majesty must be greatly in need of friends," I remarked dryly, "to
accept the aid of a perjured soldier."

It was strong language. I knew it would hurt