"Fear not, señorita; you are not injured, and in my hands you are safe, for I will guard you with my life. A thousand pardons I ask if I have caused your heart to beat with alarm."
With an effort she rose on one hand, holding up the other as if to ward him off.
"Don't touch me, you monster!" she gasped. "I shall scream!"
"Spare yourself the effort, fair one," he said, "for though you were to shriek with all your strength no one could hear you. You were unconscious, and while thus I brought you here."'
"Where am I?"
"Many miles from the spot where I found you, señorita."
"That voice!" she whispered, shrinking in terror. "It cannot be that you are—— I am dreaming!"
"It is no dream, sweet one. Could you see into my heart you would fear me no longer. Trust me and all will be well."
"Trust you! Trust a monster who has done what you have done! I fear you as I would fear a venomous reptile!"
"Ah! how little you understand, señorita!"