I warn you solemnly against leaving any weapon in his hands." He paused impressively.

But O'Moy, grey-faced now and haggard, waited in silence for him to continue.
"From the message I brought you," Forjas resumed, "you will have perceived how Principal Souza has fastened upon this business at Tavora to support his general censure of Lord Wellington's conduct of the campaign.

That is the weapon to which my warning refers.

You must--if we who place the national interest supreme are to prevail--you must disarm him by the assurance that I ask for.

You will perceive that I am disloyal to a member of my Council so that I may be loyal to my country.
But I repeat, I speak to you in confidence.