“I do,” she replies, without quail in her look or quiver in her voice.
In returning her glance Hamersley feels as if his case is hopeless. That very day he had thought of proposing to her. It almost passes from his mind. So cool, she cannot care for him. He remains silent, leaving her to proceed.
“Señor, it is about your going to the Rio del Norte. My brother tells me such is your intention. We wish you not to go, Don Francisco. There is danger in your doing it.”
“It is my duty.”
“In what respect? Explain yourself!”
“My brave comrades have been slain—assassinated. I have reason to believe that in the town of Albuquerque I may discover their assassins—at all events their chief, and perhaps bring him to justice. I intend trying, if it costs me my life.”
“Do you reflect what your life is worth?”
“To me not much.”
“It may be to others. You have at home a mother, brothers, and sisters. Perhaps one dearer?”
“No—not at home.”