Part 30 (1/2)
”Oh, nothing, nothing, Madame,” and I threw into the utterance of these words all the irony possible ”It is not altogether strange Madaet acquaintances of other days, even her native tongue, living so long in the wilderness”
It was a reckless shot, but somehow it struck the mark
”I ahter of the Sun”
”No doubt; 'tis a neat superstition hich to overawe savages, yet there was one once across the water greatly reseer, perhaps,--yet as content then with a title not nearly so high-sounding, until--oh, well, what need to tell the rest? Of course, it was not you?”
I would never have believed so sudden a change could co, had I not witnessed it with these eyes
She had sunk back against the couch, her hands pressing her breast as if to still the wild throbbing of the heart, her great eyes staring atspeech, yet no articulated sound issued from between them
”Are you a fiend from hell?” she sobbed at last ”Why have you pursued reat an honor” I hly confident I held the whip hand, provided only I did not overplay my part ”It is the ain across your path Nor have I the slightest desire to cause you trouble, only that through your power may come our safety”
”You--you have not followedto recall where, under what circumstances, we had met before
”Who are you?”
”Bah! what difference can a nah about your own to be lenient with another choosing to forget”
”You also are a fugitive?” I caught the sudden ring of hope in her voice, saw a new light flash into her eyes
”I have fled the Spaniards,” I answered carelessly enough ”What odds is that, so long as what I did has been for France? Still, as I say, I have no desire to play you harm provided you deal justly with us all”
”Harm? You? How could you hare in et you address the Queen of the Nahuacs; that even in our remnant there reh at threats, senor”
I stared at her coldly
”As you please, Madahter of the Sun, formerly woman of--ah! so you do not care for ht not, so I spare you the sha to me your past, yet I would have you remember there is a people we both knohoes would be but a mouthful This tribe has already tested the sharpness of the French sword”
Her troubled eyes fell beforefrolanced about the apart retreat frouards Whichever it ht better of it, turning toward ry A, pleasant-faced woh, senor,” she exclaihtness of deood friends I doubt not you are a boldyou, and I honor you for it Take et I areat harm if I choose, for I have those at
The threat of French vengeance , cruel, relentless; but France is not here”
”Quite true,” I replied, feeling best now to perets, never pardons, and France possesses arms which reach across the seas, even into this wilderness
All she needs is a guide, and I could becoe that no words of mine shall result in your injury”
”Your half threat does not greatly troublea puff of air I merely seek that duty which seems most fair to all concerned Pray tell me then what it is you would ask at o into this business be seated here, so we ether”