What _accident_ could have led thee to the most retired part of Don Ferdinand's garden, and, being there, detained thee?
Thou treacherous villain! and on thy evidence--evidence so honorably, so truthfully obtained, my life or death depends! Well, be it so." "But so it shall not be," interposed the King himself, ere either Sub-Prior or the Hermano could reply; "even as the prisoner, we ourselves hold evidence dishonestly obtained of little moment--nay, of no weight whatever.

Be pleased, Don Luis Garcia, to explain the casualty which led you, at such an important moment, to Don Ferdinand's grounds; or name some other witness.

The voluntary listener is, in our mind, dishonorable as the liar, and demanding no more account." With a mien and voice of the deepest humility, Don Luis replied; grieving that his earnest love of justice should expose him to the royal displeasure; submitting meekly to unjust suspicion as concerned himself, but still upholding the truth and correctness of his statement.

The other witness to the same, he added mysteriously, he had already named to his Royal Highness.
"And she waits our pleasure," replied the King; "Don Felix d'Estaban, be pleased to conduct the last witness to our presence.".