“For you, caballero. I hated your name before you came to San Diego de Alcalá. I hated you when you arrived. I tried to keep on hating you, and could not. Ah, have pity and be kind to me! Father, mother, friends—all are gone. There remains but you. Have pity—and be kind.”
“You need not offer me love to gain my protection, señorita. You have that always.”
“Can you not understand? I loved you even before you rescued me this day. When we were coming from the rancho I would have been glad had you covered my face with kisses. That is immodest, perhaps, but I care not. It seems that love only counts now.”
“But if I am Captain Fly-by-Night, a rogue and outcast——”
“I love you!”
“Spurned by loyal men and traitors alike——?”
“I love you!”
“The man who boasted he would win you, señorita——?”
“You have made good your boast—you have won—still I love you!” she cried.
“Dios! The saints are good at last! Ah, loved one, could I but see your face now!”