“Why do you come, senor?” she asked so quietly that the man in surprise halted his step forward.

“To keep my word,” and his white teeth gleamed in an effort at pleasantness.  “I am always truthful with your sex; and I told you I would return shortly.”

“Yet why?” she insisted, anxious only to keep him away as long as possible, and yet enchain his interest.  “If I am prisoner here, I am not your prisoner.  Do you come, then, to serve me?”

“Can you doubt that, senorita?” still endeavouring to retain the mask he had first assumed.  “Because circumstances make me defy the law—­a mere love of adventure, no more—­is no reason why I should be devoid of heart and sympathy.”  He took a step nearer.  “Since leaving here I have questioned the men who brought you, and learned why you were made prisoner.  I care nothing for this Bill Lacy—­nothing,” and he snapped his fingers derisively.  “Why should I?  But, instead, I would be your friend.”

“You mean your purpose is to aid me to escape?”

He bowed low.

“It would be my great happiness to do so.  There is danger, yet what is danger to Juan Cateras?  ’Tis only part of my life.  The senorita is an American, and to her one of my race may not appeal, yet I would prove my devotion with my life.”

“Your devotion, senor!"’

“Is not the word expressive!  Though I have seen you but once before, my heart is already devoted to your interest.  I am of a Southern race, senorita, and we do not calculate—­we feel.  Why, then, should I conceal my eagerness?  It is love which causes me to thus defy all and offer you freedom.”

“Love!” she laughed.  “Why, that is impossible.  Surely you only jest, senor.”

The smile deserted his lips, and with a quick, unexpected movement he grasped her hand.

“Jest!  You would call it a jest.  You will not think so for long.  Why, what can you do?  No; stop shrinking back from me.  It will be well that you listen.  This is no parlour where you can turn me away with a word of scorn,” and his eyes swept the bare walls.  “I come to you with a chance of escape; I will take the risk and pledge you my aid.  I alone can save you; there is no other to whom you can turn.  In return I but ask my reward.”

She hesitated, her eyes lifting to his face.

“You promise me your assistance?”

“Within the hour.”

“How?  What plan have you?”

“That I will not tell; you must trust me.  I am the lieutenant of Pasqual Mendez,” a touch of pride in his voice.  “And my word alone will open the way.  You will come?”

“Wait; I must know more.  You say it is love which prompts your offer, senor.  I cannot understand; and even if this be true, I must be frank and honest in my answer—­I do not return your love.”

“Bah!  That is nothing.  I know women; they learn love quickly when the way opens.  I am not so ill to look at, senorita.  A kiss now will seal the bargain!  I will wait the rest.”