She did not refuse, and actually gave me her hand, so that I might help her.
Perhaps it was the blow I had so recently received that made me feel so dizzy just then; surely, the touch of a hand could not set my heart to beating so madly that the blood went rushing to my head, and after all I had vowed about bitter feelings, hatred and such things in general toward womankind, and this little despot in particular.
Robbins quickly swung the little girl into the launch, and then we followed suit.
The boat was left adrift.
As I lounged there, regardless of the fact that my precious blood might be soiling the cushions, it all seemed very like a fantastic dream—the rapid events of this night.
True, all Bolivar was in an uproar because of our bold work, and doubtless the worthy alcalde was marshaling his little army with the intention of seeking our capture, so that we might be forced to pay heavily for our fun.
Bah! we could afford to laugh at all the alcaldes in Bolivar, or any other Central American republic, once our feet had pressed the deck of the yacht.
Long before he could embark with his arms, we would have steam up and be leaving the harbor, with the sea before us.
Another thing came to me, and I was really surprised to see how much genuine pleasure it brought in its train; she must be aboard the yacht, for days, perhaps weeks, and it would surely be my fault if I failed to find some golden opportunity for affecting a reconciliation; yes, there was little use deceiving myself, I loved her still, loved her better than before, and I was ever willing to bow my proud head to her yoke if so be—— Phew! I had forgotten that there might be some disagreeable news for me, since I had refused to hear from her during the two years of our separation.
What if she had secured a divorce? I had some reason to believe this were so; but, good heavens, what if she had gone even further, and in pique married some other fellow?