He had no intention whatever of allowing Mendoza to be subjected to torture during the trial that was to ensue.

On the contrary, he intended to prepare all the evidence for the judges and to prevent Mendoza from saying anything in self-defence.

To that end it was necessary that the facts elicited should be clearly connected from first cause to final effect, and by the skill of Antonio Perez in writing down only the words which contributed to that end, the King's purpose was now accomplished.

He heard every word of Mendoza's imprecation and thought it proper to rebuke him for speaking so freely.
"You forget yourself, sir," he said coldly.

"Don Antonio Perez is my private Secretary, and you must respect him.