"Senorita—Leon's sister—turn this way!"
She must have heard him, for she immediately forgot to watch the house that was being searched, and fastened her eyes on him.
Roderic, fearing lest she might by means of some unwise exclamation draw Julio's attention to him, had a finger on his lips, indicating caution.
He saw her start and knew she immediately suspected his identity.
Time was most valuable, and it was utterly out of the question for him to learn what he desired while laboring under such serious disadvantages.
Besides, it was folly to run any more risk than was absolutely necessary, and with such a good hater as the dashing bolero dancer only three yards away, every second he remained there increased his danger.
At any rate he could not blame Leon for falling in love with such a charming creature as the governor's daughter—Roderic considered himself a fair judge of beauty, even if he were not a connoisseur, and he saw a vision of loveliness before him that might easily have disturbed the sternest old anchorite.
Another thing—he discovered traces of distinct resemblance between this girl and the handsome Julio, so that a suspicion as to their possible relationship flashed into his mind.
"Never mind how I escaped—I am here to speak to you. My object in entering this city is to find Leon—you must take me to him—it is the price of my happiness with Georgia—when and where can I see you again—appoint a rendezvous, I pray you."
This is what he said hastily almost in her pretty ear—she was quick of comprehension, and by the look upon her face he knew she had grasped the situation.