Her hat had fallen off in the struggle with Roderic, and her luxuriant hair dropped almost to her waist, rendering further deception utterly out of the question.
Roderic fully expected to see the amazed prisoner open his arms and eagerly take her close to his heart in a transport of joy.
It was only natural that he should look for just such an ending to the devoted wife's adventurous search.
To the astonishment of the American nothing of the kind occurred—indeed, a result about as contrary as one could well conceive, came to pass.
As Inez was about to throw her arms about the figure of the handsome young fellow, he put out his hand and gave her a vigorous push aside, a push that caused the poor girl to stagger back against the wall.
And with his great black eyes flashing with indignation the prisoner cried out:
"Do not dare to touch me—go back to yonder double faced traitor, and leave me to my fate. I would sooner be left here to moulder than be rescued by you, creature!"
Roderic was panic stricken—he could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses—the prisoner of the dungeon was to all appearances Leon, yet the voice was that of Georgia—the words evidently spoken by one racked with jealousy, who saw in Inez a hated rival!