«He told them that you must have your way since you had pledged your word that Domingo's life should be safe. But that presently you would depart. Then they would return and deal with him and the other few Spaniards left here.»
«We must provide against it,» said Captain Blood, to reassure her.
When they got back to the fort they found that, in their absence, the remainder of the Indians, numbering rather more than a score, had broken into the shed where the Spaniards were confined. Fortunately the business had only just begun, and the Spaniards, although unarmed, were sufficiently numerous to offer a resistance, which, so far, had been effective. Nevertheless, Captain Blood came no more than in time to prevent a general massacre.
When he had driven off his savage allies, the Spanish commander desired a word with him.
«Don Pedro,» he said, «I owe you my life. It is difficult to thank you.»
«Pray don't give yourself the trouble,» said Captain Blood. «I did what I did, not for your sake, but for the sake of my pledged word, though concern for your little Indian wife may have had some part in it.»
The Spaniard smiled almost wistfully as his glance rested on her standing near him, her fond eyes devouring him.
«I was discourteous to you this morning. I beg your pardon.»
«That is an ample amend.»
The Captain was very dignified.