“N—no! Have you forgotten? Even if you can prove you had no part in the uprising, there is still another charge. Did you not slay Rojerio Rocha? He was the Governor’s friend. My word, the señora’s, that he was the real renegade, would not be taken in the absence of other proof. Think you the Governor would believe ill of his dead friend? They’d have your life——”
“There is no other way, beloved. One kiss—again—and I must open the door!”
“No—no! I cannot lose you now!”
“It would be better for you to pretend no interest in me,” he said. “Then my death as a felon will not stain you.”
“I stand by you, caballero, in the fact of whatever may occur; I tell my love to the world as soon as you open that door; I fight to save you—use every influence—and will be proud to let all know it! What care I what the world says, caballero? I know the man who holds my love—know him better than the world that has maligned him——”
“Ah!” he cried, and covered her face with kisses again. “This were love indeed!”
“Open the door, or we batter it down!” thundered the Governor’s voice.
“I’ll open it presently!” the caballero cried.
In the other room there was quiet for a moment while they awaited the caballero’s appearance. Before the door were Gonzales, Cassara, Ensign Sanchez, the lieutenant, all with swords drawn and held ready, all of them wounded slightly, all fatigued, yet all eager to cross blades with Captain Fly-by-Night.
“Back!” the Governor was ordering them. “I want this man alive, to make an example of him!”