Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/84

62 "Sure, an' that's roight," whispered Dan Casey. "His face before a jury would be enough to hang him, the haythin!"

"She steala one box from me," went on Barnabas Moval, trying his best to recover his composure. "She is a verra bad woman. She has de box in her pocket now."

"But she says the box is hers—I heard her."

"Ha! you heara de talk we haf? She tells lies, señor capitan—lies! I am one honest man, capitan."

"Ton't you vos pelief him, cabtain," put in Stummer. "Dot lady ain't no peauty, put I'll pet she's all right, annahow!" And he shook his curly head emphatically.

"What have you to say, madam?" demanded Ben, turning to the woman, who had listened to the conversation in much bewilderment. As yet she knew not whether the newcomers would prove to be friends or foes.

At this the lady shook her head, for she understood only a few words of English. Mustering up his best Spanish, Ben put the question again.

"He does not speak one word of truth," she answered quickly with blazing eyes. "He is a villain, señor, with a heart as black as the night.