efy all and
offer you freedom."

"Love!" she laughed. "Why, that is impossible. Surely you only jest,
_senor_."

The smile deserted his lips, and with a quick, unexpected movement he
grasped her hand.

"Jest! You would call it a jest. You will not think so for long.
Why, what can you do? No; stop shrinking back from me. It will be
well that you listen. This is no parlour where you can turn me away
with a word of scorn," and his eyes swept the bare walls. "I come to
you with a chance of escape; I will take the risk and pledge you my
aid. I alone can save you; there is no other to whom you can turn. In
return I but ask my reward."

She hesitated, her eyes lifting to his face.

"You promise me your assistance?"

"Within the hour."

"How? What plan have you?"

"That I will not tell; you must trust me. I am the lieutenant of
Pasqual Mendez," a touch of pride in his voice. "And my word alone
will open the way. You will come?"

"Wait; I must know more. You say it is love which prompts your offer,
_senor_. I cannot understand; and even if this be true, I must be
frank and honest in my answer--I do not return your love."

"Bah! That is nothing. I know women; they learn love quickly when the
way opens. I am not so ill to look at, _senorita_. A kiss now will
seal the bargain! I will wait the rest."

"You ask no pledge, then, of me?"

"Only your consent to accompany me, and the kiss. Beyond that I take
the gambler's chance. Only you must say yes or no; for it will require
time for me to clear the road."

"It must be to-night?"

"The sooner the better; they tell me Lacy will be here himself soon,
and after he comes the one chance is over with. You will give the
kiss?"

"Do not ask it, _senor_!"

"Oh, but I will--aye, more, I'll take it. A dozen will do no harm, and
no scream from those lips will be heard. You may as well be nice, my
beauty."

She was against the wall, helpless, and the grip of his hands was like
steel. She made no sound, although struggling to break free. His
breath was on her cheek; his eyes burning with lust gazing straight
into her own.

Slowly, remorselessly, he bent her head backward until she feared her
neck would snap. A sob started in her throat, but she silenced it with
the will of a superwoman. Into her terror-stricken mind leaped the
sudden conclusion that resistance with this beast was futile; she must
outwit him with her brains. Suddenly relaxing