"Riches, wealth, all--Set us free and----"

"Not now. I can not now. Wait."

"At least, Donna Mercedes."

"Man, 'twould be my life that would pay; but I'll keep careful watch
over her. I have yet some influence with the Captain. To-morrow I'll
find a way to free you--you must do the rest."

"Mercedes," said Alvarado, "heardst thou all?"

"But little," answered the girl.

"That lady--is believed to have been my mother!"

"Gentle or simple," said the girl, "she died in defence of her honor,
like the noblest, the best. This for thee, good sister," she whispered,
bending down and kissing the pale forehead. "And may I do the like when
my time comes. Thou shouldst be proud of her, my Alvarado," she said,
looking up at him. "See!" she cried suddenly as the resemblance, which
was indeed strong between them, struck her. "Thou hast her face. Her
white hair was once golden like thine. He tells the truth. Oh, sir, for
Christ's sake, have pity upon us!"

A messenger came staggering toward them across the woods.

"Master Hornigold," he cried.

"Ay, ay."

"We've taken the town. The Captain wants you and your prisoners. You'll
find him in the guard room. Oh, ho, there's merry times to-night in La
Guayra! All hell's let loose, and we are devils." He laughed
boisterously and drunkenly as he spoke and lurched backward over the
sands.

"We must be gone," said Hornigold. "Rise, mistress. Come, sir."

"But this lady," urged Alvarado--his lips could scarcely form the
unfamiliar word "mother"--"and the good priest? You will not leave them
here?"

"The rising tide will bear them out to sea."

"A moment--by your leave," said Alvarado, stepping toward the dead.
Assisted by Mercedes, for he was still bound, he stooped down and
touched his lips to those of the dead woman, whispering a prayer as he
did so. Rising to his feet he cried:

"But my father--who is he--who was he?"

"We shall find that out."

"But his name?"

"I'm not sure, I can not tell now," answered Hornigold evasively; "but
with this clew the rest should be easy. Trust me, and when we can
discuss this matter undisturbed----"

"But I would know now!"

"You forget, young sir, that you are a prisoner, and must suit your will
to my pleasure. Forward!"

But the soul of the old buccaneer was filled with fierce joy. He thought
he knew the secret of the crucifix now. The Spanish captain's mother lay
dead upon the sands, but his father lived. He was sure of it