“It is arranged,” he said. “I ride for San Diego immediately. Do you continue to remain a prisoner, señorita, and save yourself from harm. Before the fall of night I’ll be back with the troopers, this pirate brood will be wiped out, and you and the caballeros will be liberated. Then you can go up El Camino Real to your father.”
“If you accomplish this thing, you shall have my gratitude,” the señorita said.
“Nothing more than gratitude?”
“I have spoken concerning that, señor. There can be nothing but gratitude.”
Captain Ramón suddenly whirled toward her. “It is something more than gratitude that I want!” he said. “Is your heart made of ice? Mine is flaming!”
“Señor!”
“What whim is it that makes you cling to the memory of a dead man?” he asked. “You are young, with a life before you.”
“Please leave me with my sorrow, señor!”
“Then I may expect better treatment when your sorrow is somewhat dulled by time?”
“I am afraid not, señor.”