his bosom, and it was with difficulty that I could
establish my innocence.

"Part of a banditti had been seized, and on being asked the name of
their chief, when they received absolution, they confessed that I was
the chief of the band.

"Everything that could be attempted was put into practice; and if I did
not lose my life, at all events I was avoided by almost everybody as a
dangerous and doubtful character.

"At last a nobleman of rank, the father of Don Scipio, whom you
disarmed, was assassinated; the bravos were taken, and they acknowledged
that I was the person who hired them. I defended myself, but the king
imposed upon me a heavy fine and banishment. I had just received the
order, and was crying out against the injustice, and lamenting my hard
fate, as I sat down to dinner. Latterly, aware of what my enemies would
attempt, I had been accustomed to live much alone. My faithful valet
Pedro was my only attendant. I was eating my dinner with little
appetite, and had asked for some wine. Pedro went to the beaufet behind
him, to give me what I required. Accidentally I lifted up my head, and
there being a large pier-glass opposite to me, I saw the figure of my
valet, and that he was pouring a powder in the flagon of wine which he
was about to present to me. I recollected the hat being found at the
nunnery, and also the stiletto in the body of the young man.

"Like lightning it occurred to me that I had been fostering the viper
who had assisted to destroy me. He brought me the flagon. I rose,
locked the door, and drawing my sword, I addressed him:--

"`Villain; I know thee; down on your knees, for your life is forfeited.'

"He turned pale, trembled, and sank upon his knees.

"`Now, then,' continued I, `you have but one chance--either drink off
this flagon of wine, or I pass my sword through your body.' He
hesitated, and I put the point to his breast--even pierced the flesh a
quarter of an inch.

"`Drink,' cried I--`is it so very unjust an order to tell you to drink
old wine? Drink,' continued I, `or my sword does its duty.'

"He drank, and would then have quitted the room. `No, no,' said I, `you
remain herd, and the wine must have its effect. If I have wronged you I
will make amends to you--but I am suspicious.'

"In about a quarter of an hour, during which time I paced up and down
the room, with my sword drawn, my servant fell down, and cried in mercy
to let him have a priest. I sent for my o