Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/368

 to Henderson, laid a hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes.

"I owe you for your generosity to me, Don Gabriel," he said. "You have restrained your passions and your hands where a smaller man would have struck. Go—make haste! I will meet the soldiers and hold them back as long as possible. I cannot promise you more—go!"

Gabriel started for the stable with Felipe, stopping at Helena's door to summon her. She was waiting, her long cloak around her shoulders. As she came out to join Henderson, Roberto rode to the gate, waving a white cloth in his hand.

A look of understanding passed between Henderson and Felipe. It was too late, indeed. Don Abrahan's good offices could not help them now.

"I'll go and meet him," Henderson said.

He gave his pistol to Felipe, and went on to meet Roberto unarmed. As he passed Don Abrahan he turned to him.

"Don Abrahan, for the sake of whatever you owe to my generosity, protect that persecuted girl," he said.

"As my own life, Don Gabriel," the magistrate promised.

Don Abrahan hastened to Helena as Henderson went on to meet Roberto in his truce. Doña Carlota loomed large behind Helena in the door, her eyes gaping to gather the understanding of this sudden flurry.

"Helena, my house is open to you. Come!"