l in his best English, and admitted the surgeon with a
bow. Then he went lightfooted out of the room and shut the door after
him.

He was away two hours or more, and when he returned seemed perfectly
happy.

"Manuela quite safa now," he told his master.

"Where is she, Gil?" he was asked, and waved his hand airily for reply.

"She all right, sir. Near 'ere. Quita safe. Presently I see 'er."
He could not be brought nearer than that. Questioned on other matters,
he reported that he had failed to find either Don Luis or Tormillo, and
was quite unable to say how they knew of his master's relations with
the Valencian girl, or what their further intentions were. His chagrin
at having been found wanting in any single task set him was a great
delight to Manvers and amused the slow hours of his convalescence.

His wound, which was deep but not dangerous, healed well and quickly.
In ten days he was up again and inquiring for Manuela's whereabouts.
Better not see her, he was advised, until it was perfectly certain that
Don Luis was appeased. Gil promised that in a few days' time he would
give an account of everything.

It is doubtful, however, whether he would have kept his word, had not
events been too many for him. One day after dinner he asked his master
if he might speak to him. On receiving permission, he drew him apart
into a little room, the door of which he locked.

"Hulloa, Gil Perez," said Manvers, "what is your game now?"

"Sir," said Gil, holding his head up, and looking him full in the face.
"I must espeak to you about Manuela. She is in the Carcel de la
Corte--to-morrow they take 'er to the Audiencia about that
assassination." He folded his arms and waited, watching the effect of
his words.

Manvers was greatly perturbed. "Then you've made a mess of it," he
said angrily. "You've made a mess of it."

"No mess," said Gil Perez. "She tell me must go to gaol. I say, all
righta, lady."

"You had no business to say anything of the sort," Manvers said. "I am
sorry I ever allowed you to interfere. I am very much annoyed with
you, Perez." He had never called him Perez before--and that hurt Gil
more than anything. His voice betrayed his feelings.

"You casta me off--call me Perez, lika stranger! All right, sir--what
you like," he stammered. "I tell you, Manuela very fine girl--and why
the devil I make 'er bad? No, sir, that imposs'. She too good for me.
She say, Don Luis estab my saviour!