Her terror had struck him helpless. It was so intense--it was so
full of horrible certainty of what fate awaited her.

She cried out in Spanish, beseeching him; and as he shook his head,
she changed to English:

"Senor, my lover, I will be strong--I will fight--I will obey.
But swear by my Virgin, if need be to save me from Rojas--you will
kill me!"

"Mercedes! Yes, I'll swear," he replied hoarsely. "I know--I'd
rather have you dead than-- But don't give up. Rojas can't be
sure of you, or he wouldn't wait. He's in there. He's got his
men there--all around us. But he hesitates. A beast like Rojas
doesn't stand idle for nothing. I tell you we've a chance. Dick,
here, will think of something. We'll slip away. Then he'll take
you somewhere. Only--speak to him--show him you won't weaken.
Mercedes, this is more than love and happiness for us. It's life
or death."

She became quiet, and slowly recovered control of herself.

Suddenly she wheeled to face Gale with proud dark eyes, tragic
sweetness of appeal, and exquisite grace.

"Senor, you are an American. You cannot know the Spanish blood--the
peon bandit's hate and cruelty. I wish to die before Rojas's hand
touches me. If he takes me alive, then the hour, the little day
that my life lasts afterward will be tortured--torture of hell.
If I live two days his brutal men will have me. If I live three,