I have postponed the bonfire until nightfall.

It will make a better show in the dark." Don Francisco, a slight, nervous, elderly man of high lineage and low vitality, came straight to business.
"I am here to tell you, Don Pedro, that if you will hold your hand for three days, I will undertake to raise the ransom you demand, which Don Miguel de Espinosa refuses." Captain Blood confronted him, a frown contracting the dark brows above his light eyes: "And where will you be raising it ?" quoth he, faintly betraying his surprise.
Don Francisco shook his head.

"That must remain my affair," he answered.
"I know where it is to be found, and my compatriots must contribute.
Give me leave for three days on parole, and I will see you fully satisfied.

Meanwhile my son remains in your hands as a hostage for my return." And upon that he fell to pleading.

But in this he was crisply interrupted.
"By the Saints! Ye're a bold man, Don Francisco, to come to me with such a tale--to tell me that ye know where the ransom's to be raised, and yet to refuse to say.