The first horror was over now; full realisation was coming to the women. Señorita Anita stepped out to the middle of the room and confronted him, and she showed no fear now. Her head was lifted proudly, her breast heaved with emotion, outraged pride and anger struggled in her face for expression.
“So it was all a farce?” she cried. “You and this Captain Fly-by-Night were not such deadly enemies as report had it, eh? Partners in treason you were, playing your nefarious game! And the duel down by the creek—how came it he ran you through? Was that a part of the game, too?”
“We fought because of an argument concerning Señorita Anita Fernandez, I believe.”
“Traitors fell out, and you would say it was over a woman? Say, rather, that you both sought leadership—that there was one general too many! Say, rather, that even before the culmination of your plans you fought regarding the division of the loot—myself being desired by both pretty traitors!”
“Say what you please, señorita, so long as you let the fact remain that this man of whom you speak has nothing in common with me. As for yourself—you please me very much, and I shall claim you when this more serious business is at an end.”
“Claim me—you? Renegade! Traitor! Take you for husband? Do you suppose my father knew your true character when he made his request? He never had seen you, Rojerio Rocha, but he supposed—because you had Fernandez and Rocha blood in your veins—that you were a gentleman and true. Marry you, Rojerio Rocha? Marry a man the Governor calls friend, and who plans to stab his friend from behind?”
“Marry, or come to me without marriage—as you wish,” the man said. “Your will against me will not be so strong, I think, when things are at an end and I become master.”
“Rather would I wed this Fly-by-Night—this gambler and swindler and thief and wronger of women—this man who made immodest boasts concerning me. And before I’d do that, I’d take my own life, Rojerio Rocha! Call in your savage friends and let them torture, and slay me! Never can I hold up my head again, whether your conspiracy is successful or no! That a man of my family and blood should do this thing——! Where is the pride of the Fernandez now? This stain never can be washed away!”
“A truce as to your foolish pride! Enough of heroics, señorita, and you, señora! We’ll talk further of these matters at a later day. At present remember that I am master here. You will remain in this room, and food will be fetched. Every comfort you wish will be furnished. And when things are settled again, I take you for wife, Señorita Anita, whether you wish it or not. These Indians will not allow you to escape, yet they will protect you. Had I left you at the mission, you might have been injured by mistake during the fighting. Calm your fears and make the best of things, and try not to change conditions you cannot affect. There is no need for fear—already the gentiles look upon you as their queen.”
“Their queen! I, a Fernandez, queen of savages, over a kingdom purchased by treason and steeped in blood? Have I not shame enough with which to contend? Go—go!”