I suppose I might have got him away more quietly, but I was afraid you might have thoughtlessly opened the door." He stopped, and added, "I see now how unfounded was the supposition." It was a fatal addition.

In the next instant, the Maruja who had been standing beside Guest, conscious-stricken and remorseful in the presence of the man she had deceived, and calmly awaiting her punishment, changed at this luckless exhibition of her own peculiar womanly weapons.

The old Maruja, supreme, ready, undaunted, and passionless, returned to the fray.
"You were wrong, Captain," she said, sweetly; "fortunately, Mr.
Guest--whom I see you have forgotten in your absence--was with me, and I think would have felt it his duty to have protected me.

But I thank you all the same, and I think even Mr.Guest will not allow his envy of your good fortune in coming so gallantly to my rescue to prevent his appreciating its full value.

I am only sorry that on your return to La Mision Perdida you should have fallen into the arms of a madman before extending your hands to your friends." Their eyes met.