"There is a knocking at the outer door," said Ana. "I will go—"
"You will pack her duds," said Escobeda, who was not quite sure of Ana. "I will answer the summons myself."
As he was passing through the doorway, Raquel said, despairingly:
"Uncle, wait a moment. You went to the Señor Anecito Rojas. How did you get back so soon—"
"And who told you that I was going to him? Yes, I did start for the house of Rojas, but I met him on the way, so I was saved the trouble."
"Are you going to send me to him, uncle?" asked Raquel. The girl's face had again become white, her eyes were staring. There was some unknown horror in store. What could it be?
"Send you to him? Oh, no! Why should I send you to him? I have a better market for you than that of Rojas. He is only coming to aid me with those trusty men of his, in case your friend Silencio should attempt to take you from me. He had better not attempt it. A stray shot will dispose of him very quickly."
"Am I to remain on the island, uncle?"
"Yes and no," answered Escobeda. "We take the boat to-night for the government town. When we arrive, it will be as the governor says—he must see you first."
Raquel understood nothing of his allusions. Ana cried silently as she took Raquel's clothes from the drawers and folded them.