Part 63 (1/2)

As for Harry and Ashby, they pa.s.sed in one instant from depths of despair to the highest hope. They recognized the shouts and the watchword of the Republic, and felt that in the hands of the soldiers of the government they would be safe.

Suddenly the door was opened. Outside were armed men with blazing torches, from among whom there advanced into the room an officer.

The Carlists were immediately disarmed, and their arms taken outside.

But the officer took no notice of them. His eyes, searching on every side, soon perceived Harry and Ashby, who had drawn near.

”Senor captain,” said Harry, ”I rejoice that you have come to save us from captivity and death. We have been here as prisoners for two or three days, and an immense ransom was exacted from us, which we could not pay. Had you not come, we should undoubtedly have been shot.”

Ashby said not a word. He had recognized Lopez at a glance, and dreaded the worst from this vengeful enemy.

Lopez kept his eyes fixed on Ashby as he spoke, though he addressed Harry.

”Senors,” said he, ”I am glad that I have come in time to avert so horrible a crime. You, senor,” he continued, addressing Harry, ”may retire: you are free. You will be respected and protected by my followers, and may either go, or remain till our return to Vittoria.

As for Senor Ashby, I wish to have a brief conversation with him.”

At this Harry bowed, and with some further expression of grat.i.tude went out of the room a free man, his heart swelling with exultation and joy and hope.

”Senor Ashby,” said Lopez, ”we have met again.”

Ashby bowed.

”Senor Ashby,” continued Lopez, ”insults have been given and received on both sides, and we are already under engagements to have a hostile meeting. Is it not so?”

Ashby bowed again.

Lopez had spoken these words in a low tone, which was inaudible to his men. He now turned and ordered them to withdraw, and stand outside until further orders.

They obeyed.

”Senor Ashby,” he continued, ”the lady is here for whom we both are seeking. It was about her that our quarrel arose.”

”I am ready now,” said Ashby.

”For the quarrel?” said Lopez. ”Ay--but I am not;” and he gave a bitter laugh.

”A man of honor,” said Ashby, scornfully, ”will always be ready.”

Lopez again gave a bitter laugh.

”Dear senor,” said he, ”I have had too many affairs to be afraid of risking my reputation as a man of honor by postponing our little meeting. I have other things to attend to first. And first I must have a little leisure to get rid of that bitterness and gall which you, senor, with your English superciliousness, have poured into my heart. For a time you had your hour of triumph, and I was made to feel by you all the insolent superiority of a man of wealth over a man of the people. But now, senor, our positions have changed. I have the power, and you are nothing. Even your wealth will not save you; for while you are my prisoner all the gold of Mexico will be unavailing to deliver you until I choose.”

Ashby had now a sudden thought that his position was very peculiar and very unenviable. He had just quarrelled with his best friend, and had just been saved from murdering him, for the sake of a girl whom he had ceased to love (or whom he believed he had ceased to love, which was the same thing just then); and now here was another of Katie's numerous lovers, full of love and jealousy--the one as strong as death, the other as cruel as the grave; which lover was evidently now regarding him as a tiger regards his helpless victim, and was playing with him for a time, so as to enjoy his torments before devouring him. These thoughts pa.s.sed through his mind, and he had nothing to say.

”Senor,” said Lopez, ”our quarrel was about that young lady, and our meeting may take place at any time. For the present, I have to say that if you will consent to give up all claim to her hand and leave the castle, I will send you at once with a sufficient guard to any place you name, or to the nearest station. But if not, then I shall be under the painful necessity of detaining you.”

”May I ask,” said Ashby, ”upon what ground you propose to detain me?”