“The great white captain knew, then, that you were not on board?” she asked suddenly.
“No,” replied the young man reluctantly, “that did he not. I came without his knowledge. He would have prevented me,” he continued stubbornly, “and I had promised thee a gift. Never did I break my word, nor would not then. But I did not dream it possible they could get away so soon! By our virgin lady in Heaven I swear I know not what to do.” And once more he seemed lost in despair.
But only for a moment. Then he turned hastily to the entrance.
“I must follow them at once,” he declared impatiently, “I can overtake them even yet.”
Swift as lightning the girl threw herself between him and the opening in the cave.
“No, no, senor Englishman,” she cried. “It is impossible! Listen, only listen to me! What have you, then, to steer by save the stars? And you see that, drowned in moonlight, they do not shine tonight. And, more than that, you do not even know what course the vessel takes. Remember, too, that there is neither food nor drink within your boat. You would surely die ere you could ever find the ship.”
Gradually she compelled him to listen to reason until, seating himself again upon the skins, he challenged her still further.
“But what, then, shall I do?” he demanded. “Can'st also tell me that?”
And with equal readiness the princess replied:
“If you will but let me I can hide you here. The cavern is my own. Here for many a moon have I worked and waited. No one would dare to enter. You will be safe. Besides, my father's anger will grow cold in time, and then I know that, if I ask him, he will help you.”