Inside, the caballero took his arms from around the girl, and stepped to the door. In the face of such a predicament he still could smile and hum a song. But, as he touched the bar, Anita grasped his arm.
“I go out first,” she said.
“No——”
“Ah, do not deny me! There is something I would say——”
“As you please, señorita.”
“Kiss me again—again! Now—open the door!”
He took down the heavy bar and threw the door open. Those outside beheld Señorita Anita Fernandez standing before them, the caballero behind her. The girl’s head was lifted proudly, and her eyes flashed as of old, and she looked the Governor straight in the face as she spoke:
“Before this man gives himself to you I want you to know that I love him better than all the world——”
“Anita!” cried Señora Vallejo from one side.
“I want you to know that he denies being a leader of the hostiles, and that I believe him. Twice he saved me from dishonour and death. No affront has he offered. It is true he killed Rojerio Rocha, and, as for that——”