Meanwhile the spectators were shouting encouragement, and Pereira was urging Xavier to increase his offer. For a while the Portugee hesitated, surveying Juanna, who stood pale and silent, her head bowed upon her breast. At this juncture Leonard turned, the glass still in his hand.
“Did you make any advance, senor?” he asked.
“No, curse you! Take her. I will not put down another ounce for her or any woman on the earth.”
Leonard only smiled and looked at Pereira.
“Going!” said that worthy; “the white girl, Juanna, is going to the stranger Pierre for one hundred and twenty ounces of gold. Going! Come, Xavier, don’t lose her. If you do you will only be sorry once, and that will be always. Now, for the last time,” and he lifted his glass in his hand and paused.
Xavier made a step forward and opened his lips to speak.
Leonard’s heart stood still, but presently the Portugee changed his mind and turned away.
“Gone!” screamed Pereira, bringing the glass down so heavily on the arm of his chair that it flew into fragments.
Chapter XIII.
A MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE
“Gone,” said Pereira again. “Now, friend Pierre, before we ratify this matter by the aid of holy Church, perhaps you will table the gold. This is a cash transaction, remember.”