“Never mind that. Why didn’t you wait till dark to attack? Weren’t those the orders, or–that is, the suggestion?”
“But whose suggestion? Perhaps, señor, you know who El Chaparrito is?”
“Haven’t the least idea, nor anyone else. But it’s certain, Rod, that this is your first experience of Shorty. Another time, and you’ll have sense enough to take his hints. Now then, where’s the emperor we were to catch?”
Fra Diavolo’s smile was Satanic. “Your Chaparrito was either mistaken about the Emperor, or,” and he glanced toward the window, “or he deceived you into helping me capture a beautiful young woman.”
“How? What––”
“I mean that His Cautious Majesty did not come, however much El Chaparrito seems to want him. But–” and Rodrigo’s tone lowered heavily, “but his August Spouse came instead. She is in that cabin now. It is well, señor, for vengeance in kind is just. It is righteous, it is biblical. Since fate has thrown––”
“E-a-s-y! Eas-y, boy. Of course, if we’ve gone and netted an empress, we’ll ask ’em to please take her back. This ain’t a woman’s game.”
“Give up a queen’s ransom?”
Driscoll nodded cheerfully.
“I believe, caballero,” said the brigand with awful dignity, “that I command here.”