“Oh, one minute’s start of the devil does me, Jose.”
“Ah, but I fear the woman—Nina Micheltoreña—I fear her terribly. She is close at hand—knowing all, angry with you, and jealous—and still loving you.”
“Loving me? Oh, no, Jose! Nina, like you, loves the spoils, not me. No, I raid on....”
A silence fell upon the two men, which was broken by Sonora calling out:
“Bring along the greaser, Dep!”
“All right!” answered the loud voice of the Deputy.
“You hear—we start,” whispered Castro to his master. “Give the signal.” And notwithstanding, the miners were coming through the door for him and stood waiting, torches in hand, he contrived to finish: “Antonio awaits for it. Only the woman and her servant will stay behind here.”
“Adios!” whispered the master.
“Adios!” returned his man simultaneously with the approach of the Deputy towards them.
It was then that the Girl’s gay, happy voice floated in on them from the dance-hall; she cried out: