act the parts
of judge and criminal.

Pepe made a sign to Diaz; Don Estevan saw and understood it.

"It is not enough to have remained a prisoner," said Diaz, "you must
meet your fate; the conquered must obey the conqueror--come!"

As Diaz ceased speaking, the Spanish nobleman, armed with the pride
which never deserted him, approached the pyramid with a firm step. Pepe
had rejoined his two companions.

Don Estevan's looks, as he advanced, displayed a dauntless composure
equally removed from bravado or weakness--which won a glance of
admiration from his three enemies--all of them excellent judges of
courage.

Fabian rose and stepped forward to meet his noble prisoner. A few paces
behind, Diaz also advanced--his head bowed low, and his mind oppressed
by gloomy thoughts. Everything in the manner of the conquerors
convinced him that, on this occasion, right would be on the side of
power.

"My Lord of Mediana," said Fabian, as, with head uncovered, he paused a
few steps in advance of the noble Spaniard who had approached him, "you
perceive that I recognise you, and you also know who I am."

The Duke de Armada remained upright and motionless without responding to
his nephew's courtesy.

"I am entitled to keep my head covered in the presence of the King of
Spain; I shall use that privilege with you," he replied; "also I claim
the right of remaining silent when I think proper, and shall now
exercise that right if it please you."

Notwithstanding this haughty reply, the younger son of the Medianas
could not but remember how he, a trembling and weeping child, had,
twenty years before, in the castle of Elanchovi quailed beneath the
glance of the man whom he now presumed to judge.

The timid eaglet had now become the eagle, which, in its turn, held the
prey in its powerful talons.

The glances of the two Medianas crossed like two swords, and Diaz
contemplated, with mingled astonishment and respect, the adopted son of
the gambusino Arellanos, suddenly transformed and raised above the
humble sphere in which he had for an instant known him.

The adventurer awaited the solution of this enigma. Fabian armed
himself with a pride which equalled that of the Duke de Armada.

"As you will," said he, "yet it might be prudent to remember, that here
the right claimed by power is not an empty boast."

"It is true," replied Don Antonio, who, notwithstanding his apparent
resignation, trembled with rage and despair at the tot