He was
arrested and dragged before Don Rodrigo to give an account of
himself and of certain objects of value found in his possession--
more particularly of a ring, on the cameo of which was carved a
portrait of King Philip.
"I am Gabriel de Espinosa," he answered firmly, "a pastry-cook of
Madrigal."
"Then how come you by these jewels?"
"They were given me by Dona Ana of Austria to sell for her
account. That is the business that has brought me to Valladolid."
"Is this Dona Ana's portrait?"
"It is."
"And this lock of hair? Is that also Dona Ana's? And do you,
then, pretend that these were also given you to sell?"
"Why else should they be given me?"
Don Rodrigo wondered. They were useless things to steal, and as
for the lock of hair, where should the fellow find a buyer for
that? The Alcalde conned his man more closely, and noted that
dignity of bearing, that calm assurance which usually is founded
upon birth and worth. He sent him to wait in prison, what time he
went to ransack the fellow's house in Madrigal.
Don Rodrigo was prompt in acting; yet even so his prisoner
mysteriously found means to send a warning that enabled Frey
Miguel to forestall the Alcalde.
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