"If I had
money it would be a simple proposition to bribe some guard to pass
us through the lines, but I have spent all that General Betancourt
gave me." He smoothed back Rosa's dark hair and smiled
reassuringly at her. "Well, I'll manage somehow; so don't worry
your pretty head. I'll find the price, if I have to waylay old Don
Mario and rob him. Don't you think I look like a bandit? The very
sight of me would terrify that fat rascal."
"To me you are beautiful," breathed the girl. Then she lowered her
eyes. "La, la! How I spoil you! I have quite forgotten how to be
ladylike. Isabel was right when she called me a bold and forward
hussy. Now, then, please turn your face aside, for I wish to
think, and so long as you look at me I cannot--I make love to you
brazenly. See! Now, then, that is much better. I shall hold your
hand, so. When I kiss it you may look at me again, for a moment."
Drawing herself closer to O'Reilly, Rosa began thoughtfully:
"Before you came I more than once was on the point of appealing to
some of my former friends, but they are all Spaniards and we are
no longer--simpatico, you understand?"
Rosa paused for his answer.
"Perfectly; I'm in the same fix. Of all the people I used to know
there isn't one but would denounce me if I made myself known. Now
that I've been fighting with the Insurrectos, I daren't even go to
the American consul for help--if there is an American consul.
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