She would not lie. "Twenty-four," she answered.
"Ees pretty old," laughed Lopez. "Let me see your teeth."
"My teeth!" echoed Lucia. Did he take her for a horse?
Lopez merely nodded; and, with all the self-control she could bring to her aid, she opened her mouth and showed her wonderful teeth.
"Si," remarked Lopez, evidently pleased at the sight. "An' now, 'ow much weigh?"
"I don't know exactly," Lucia said.
"What's your name?" the bandit went on.
"Lucia." "Lucia!" he rolled the name over on his tongue, and smiled. "Lucia!" he repeated. "Ees nice name." Then, "Come 'ere. Come 'ere!" He did not wait for her to move this time. He put out his hand and drew her close to him. "I would see more of you," he told her. And, to her amazement and horror, he lifted her skirt delicately, almost tenderly. Her womanhood revolted at his action. This barbarian! She slapped his hand. But Lopez paid no more attention to the blow than if a child had struck him. "Not bad," he went on, indifferently, referring to her well-turned ankle. "'Ow you like to go wiz me to Mexico? Well?" when she did not answer. "You 'eard what I said."
That she should be insulted thus! "But—oh, I couldn't do that!" she cried out, in terror.
"Why not?" Lopez demanded.