"I am to go first?" and his voice assumed polite deference.
"Beside Mr. Cavendish," she replied, "and I will be behind."
"This gentleman, you mean?"
"Yes; and there is no need for any more acting. This is the revolver pressing against your back, señor. I could scarcely miss you at that distance."
They advanced in silence, through the faint gleam of light which illumined the passage through the stone slits over the cell doors. Only then did Mendez venture to pause, and glance back at his captor.
"Pardon, señorita," he said gallantly, "but I would have view of the first lady who ever took Pasqual Mendez prisoner. The sight robs me of all displeasure. In truth it is hardly necessary for you to resort to fire-arms."
"I prefer them," shortly. "Go on!"
The darkness swallowed them again, but the way was clear, and, once around the sharp turn, a glimmer of distant daylight made advance easier. There was no sign of any guard visible, nor any movement perceptible in the open vista beyond the cave entrance. The girl touched Mendez's arm.
"Wait; I would ask a question, or two first, before we venture further. I was brought in this way, yet my memory is not clear. There are two log houses before the cave?"
"Yes," he answered readily, "one somewhat larger than the other—the men occupy that; the other is for myself and my officers."