when you have satisfied me that you have a right to inspect a lady's
private correspondence I will submit to be searched--but not
before.'

She made a little signal to Conyngham not to interfere.

Senora Barenna took this opportunity of asserting herself and her
nerves. She sat heavily down on a stone seat and wept. She could
hardly have done better, for she was a countess in her own right,
and the sight of high-born tears distinctly unnerved the Alcalde.

'Well,' he said, 'the senorita has made her own choice. In these
times' (he glanced nervously at the weeping lady) 'one must do one's
duty.'

'My dear Julia,' protested the General, 'you who are so sensible--'

Julia shrugged her shoulders and laughed. She not only trusted
Conyngham but relied upon his intelligence. It is as a rule safer
to confide in the honesty of one's neighbour than in his wit; better
still, trust in neither. Conyngham, who was quick enough when the
moment required it, knew that she was fostering the belief that the
letter at that moment in his pocket was in her possession. He
suspected also that he and Julia Barenna were playing with life and
death. Further, he recognised her and her voice. This was the
woman who had showed discrimination and calmness in face of a great
danger on the Garonne. Had this Englishman, owning as he did to a
strain of Irish blood, turned his back on her and danger at such a
moment he would assuredly have proved himself untrue to the annals
of that race which has made a mark upon the world that will never be