At a sign from the count the two papers containing the proposals and the proclamation of outlawry were nailed on the trunk of a tree.
"And now, sir, you have fulfilled your mission, I believe? You have nothing further to add?"
"I regret, señor conde——"
"Enough, sir. Were I really a pirate, as you so charitably call me, it would be easy for me to retain you, as well as the persons that accompany you, which would supply me with ample means for the satisfaction of my vengeance; but, whatever you may say, neither I nor the men I have the honour to command are pirates. You will leave here as free as you came: still I fancy you would do well not to delay your departure."
The general did not need to hear this twice. For two hours he had seen death several times too near, or at least he fancied so, to desire to prolong his stay in the camp; and hence he gave the necessary orders for immediate departure. At this moment Doña Angela, suddenly emerged from the group of ladies among whom she had hitherto stood, and walked forward, majestically robed in her rebozo, her eye flashing with a sombre fire.
"Stay!" she said with an accent so firm and so imposing that each was silent, and regarded her with astonishment.
"Madam," Don Louis said to her, "I conjure you——"
"Let me speak," she said energetically; "let me speak, señor conde. As no one in this hapless country dares to protest against the odious treachery of which you are a victim, I—a woman, the daughter of your most implacable enemy—declare openly before all, that you, count, are the only man whose genius is powerful enough to regenerate this unhappy country. You are misunderstood—insulted; and the epithet of pirate is attached to your name. Well, pirate—be it so. Don Louis, I love you! Henceforth I am yours—yours alone. Persevere in your noble enterprise. As long as I live there will be a woman in this accursed land who will pray for you. And now, farewell! I leave my heart with you."
The count knelt before the noble woman, kissed her hand respectfully, and raised his eyes to heaven.
"Doña Angela," he said with emotion, "I thank you. I love you, and whatever may happen, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your love."