"How know you that your servant Manuel has not been recognised while
executing some of those errands on which you've sent him; or that the
man himself may not turn traitor? I confess, from what I've seen of the
fellow, he has not favourably impressed me."
The words make an impression upon Miranda anything but pleasant. It is
not the first time for him to have the thought suggested by them. More
than once has he entertained suspicions about the peon's fidelity. It
is possible the man might prove traitor; if not then, at some future
time--aye, and probable, too, considering the reward offered for the
exile's head.
Miranda, knowing and now thinking of it, admits the justice of his
friend's fear. More; he sees cause for raising alarm. So does Don
Prospero, who, at the moment coming up, takes part in the conference.
It ends in the refugees resolving to stay in the valley till Hamersley
and Walt can return to them; then to forsake that asylum, no longer
deemed safe, and retire to one certainly so--the land over which waves a
flag powerful to protect its citizens and give the same to their
friends--the Star-spangled Banner.