"
"You expect, then, to prove your innocence easily?"
"I do."
"But I hear there are other serious charges."
"It is quite the same with them."
"But--suppose you should not clear yourself of this--murder--would
you wish to drag down my daughter's name?"
"Of course not."
"I understand you have not spoken of this marriage. Perhaps you
might consent to remain silent. If by any chance you should be
convicted of guilt, what satisfaction could you derive from
injuring me and mine?"
"None at all, sir."
"I am rich," Garavel went on, meaningly. "If you are acquitted, I
might, perhaps, arrange amply for your future--upon conditions."
"In other words, if I am to be hanged or shot or whatever it is
they do to people down here, you'll expect me to keep my mouth
shut on general principles, and if I'm acquitted you'll pay me
well to disappear. Is that it? Well, there is some family pride to
that." He laughed lightly.
"My political future may depend upon it."
"If I can help you in that way I'll gladly keep silent as long as
you wish, but I don't think I care to make any further terms."
"Make sure of this," snapped the father, "your marriage will be
annulled, no matter what you prove or fail to prove. Already
Chiquita is repentant, and I shall not rest until she is free.
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