"I know--I'd
rather have you dead than-- But don't give up. Rojas can't be
sure of you, or he wouldn't wait. He's in there. He's got his
men there--all around us. But he hesitates. A beast like Rojas
doesn't stand idle for nothing. I tell you we've a chance. Dick,
here, will think of something. We'll slip away. Then he'll take
you somewhere. Only--speak to him--show him you won't weaken.
Mercedes, this is more than love and happiness for us. It's life
or death."
She became quiet, and slowly recovered control of herself.
Suddenly she wheeled to face Gale with proud dark eyes, tragic
sweetness of appeal, and exquisite grace.
"Senor, you are an American. You cannot know the Spanish blood--the
peon bandit's hate and cruelty. I wish to die before Rojas's hand
touches me. If he takes me alive, then the hour, the little day
that my life lasts afterward will be tortured--torture of hell.
If I live two days his brutal men will have me. If I live three,
the dogs of his camp...Senor, have you a sister whom you love?
Help Senor Thorne to save me. He is a soldier. He is bound.
He must not betray his honor, his duty, for me....Ah, you two
splendid Americans--so big, so strong, so fierce! What is that
little black half-breed slave Rojas to such men? Rojas is a coward.
Now, let me waste no more precious time. I am ready. I will be
brave."
She came close to Gale, holding out her white hands, a woman all
fire and soul and passion.
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