Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/192

 "I would kill a man to prove how well I love you!"

"Roberto, but would you give one life?"

"A thousand lives if they were in my power."

"Just one, and I will do all that you desire. Roberto"—her hand found his again, she nestled on the deep window-sill close to him—"if you will let Gabriel Henderson go free, if you will see that he reaches Monterey in safety, that is all I ask."

"You ask this of me?" Roberto spoke quickly, eagerly, she thought.

"I ask it of you, Roberto. He will find a way from Monterey to go back to his people, his home."

"And if this is granted?"

"The moment he sends me word that he is safe among friends in Monterey, I swear I will do all that you desire."

"So—yes—your hand, your hand!"

Roberto spoke quickly, in the incoherence of a strong and sudden resolution, the excitement of it thrilling in his tone. She felt his hand groping between the bars, caught his wrist, laid her own hand in the grasp of his ardent fingers.

"You love him too much!" said Roberto, drawing her suddenly against the bars. "By the sacred blood, you die!"

Helena struggled hard against him, knowing his purpose was to draw her down within his dagger's reach.

"Roberto! I will alarm the house!"