Those who were left standing, enraged at this unaccustomed attack, turned to avenge their companions, and rushed all together upon the aggressor.
The latter, heedless of their numbers, made a step backwards, placed himself on guard, and prepared to give them a welcome.
But, by chance, with the change in his position, the moonlight fell upon his face. The bandits instantly drew back in terror, and promptly sheathed their machetes.
"Ah, ah!" said the stranger, with a smile of contempt, as he advanced towards them, "you recognise me, my masters, do you? By the Virgin! I am sorry for it—I was preparing to give you a rather sharp lesson. Is this the manner in which you execute my orders?"
The bandits remained silent, contrite and repentant, in appearance at least.
"Come, empty your pockets, you paltry thieves, and restore to these ladies what you have taken from them!"
Without a moment's hesitation, the thieves unbandaged the duenna, and restored the rich booty which, an instant before, they had so joyfully appropriated to themselves.
Doña Luz could not overcome her astonishment, she looked with the greatest surprise at this strange man, who possessed such authority over bandits acknowledging neither faith nor law.
"Is this really all?" he said, addressing the young lady, "are you sure you miss nothing, señora?"
"Nothing—nothing, sir!" she replied, more dead than alive, and not knowing at all what she said.