"
"How?" Sir Terence was amazed. "You knew?"
"Oh, not that this had happened. But that the spy - or rather a
network of espionage - existed. We move here in a web of intrigue
wrought by ill-will, self-interest, vindictiveness and every form
of malice. Whilst the great bulk of the Portuguese people and
their leaders are loyally co-operating with us, there is a strong
party opposing us which would prefer even to see the French prevail.
Of course you are aware of this. The heart and brain of all this
is - as I gather the Principal Souza. Wellington has compelled his
retirement from the Government. But if by doing so he has restricted
the man's power for evil, he has certainly increased his will fo
evil and his activities.
"You tell me that Garfield was cared for by the parish priest at
Penalva. There you are. Half the priesthood of the country are on
Souza's side, since the Patriarch of Lisbon himself is little more
than a tool of Souza's. What happens? This priest discovers that
the British officer whom he has so charitably put to bed in his
house is the bearer of dispatches. A loyal man would instantly
have communicated with Marshal Beresford at Thomar. This fellow,
instead, advises the intriguers in Lisbon.
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