As for the hidalgo Don Sarceda, I know him only as a brave companion in arms, and certainly I shall not listen to tales told against him by a wandering apostate.

It is, however, unlucky for you,' and here a gleam of light shot across the face of Cortes, 'that there should be any old feud between you, seeing that it is to his charge that I am about to confide you.

Now for the last time I say choose.

Will you reveal the hiding place of the treasure and go free, or will you be handed over to the care of Don Sarceda till such time as he shall find means to make you speak ?' Now a great faintness seized me, for I knew that I was condemned to be tortured, and that de Garcia was to be the torturer.

What mercy had I to expect from his cruel heart when I, his deadliest foe, lay in his power to wreak his vengeance on?
But still my will and my honour prevailed against my terrors, and I answered: 'I have told you, general, that I know nothing of this treasure.