'Of the utmost.'

'And of value?'

'Of the greatest value in the world to me.'

The Spaniard rose and took up his cloak, which he had thrown over
the back of the nearest chair, not forgetting to display a
picturesque corner of its bright lining.

'You swear you will deliver it, only with your own hand, only to the
hand of the Senorita Barenna? And--you will observe the strictest
secrecy?'

'Oh, yes,' answered Conyngham carelessly, 'if you like.'

The Spaniard turned, and, leaning one hand on the table, looked
almost fiercely into his companion's face. 'You are an Englishman,'
he said, 'and an Englishman's word--is it not known all the world
over? In the North, in my country, where Wellington fought, the
peasants still say "word of an Englishman" instead of an oath.'

He threw his cloak over his shoulder, and stood looking down at his
companion with a little smile as if he were proud of him.

'There!' he said. 'Adios. My name is Larralde, but that is of no
consequence. Adios!'

With a courteous bow he took his leave, and Conyngham presently saw