Page:Gaston Leroux--The bride of the sun.djvu/198

184 bring your son here, unharmed, at midnight. For your daughter, you must wait."

Don Christobal took down a little crucifix from a nail over the bed, and came toward Huascar.

"The señora brought you up in our holy faith," he said. "Swear upon this that you will do as you say."

Huascar held out his hand and took the oath.

"I have sworn," he said proudly, "but for me, your word is enough."

"You have it," replied Don Christobal. "We await you here at midnight Gentlemen," he added, as Huascar's steps rang on the staircase without, "I have given my word, and you must help me keep it. I believe in Huascar."

"So do I," added Natividad.

Dick was silent He had been watching the Indian, and was unconvinced.

"What do you think, Dick?"

"I don't like it Perhaps I am mistaken, though. I feel that Huascar hates me, and I do not love him particularly. We are not in a position to judge one another. Midnight will show."

Natividad, going to the window, had opened it, and was leaning out into the street

"I tell you I have seen that face somewhere before," he reiterated.