"I swore to Tranquil to protect her, whatever might happen," he muttered, "and I can only save her by desires for her. Well, I will die: but, Capa de Dios, I will have a fine funeral."
Fresh blows were dealt at the shutters, but with such violence that it was easy to see that they would be soon broken in.
"Who's there?" the half-breed asked quietly.
"Gente de paz," was the reply from without.
"Hum!" Lanzi said, "for peaceful people you have a singular way of announcing your presence."
"Open, open!" the voice outside repeated.
"I am very ready to do so, but what proves to me that you do not mean harm?"
"Open, or we will break down the door."
And the blows were renewed.
"Oh, oh," the half-breed said, "you are strong in the arms; do not trouble yourself further, I am going to open."