" One instant, senora," the pirate cried, savagely ;
" since you despise my prayers, listen to my orders !"

" Tour orders !" the hunter shouted, springing close
to his side. "Have you forgotten where you are,
miserable scoundrel ?"

" Come, come ! a truce to threats and abuse, my
masters !" the pirate replied, in a commanding voice,
as he crossed his arms upon his breast, threw up hia
head, and darted a look of supreme disdain upon all
present. " You know very well you dare do nothing
against me — that not a single hair of my head will &11.'*

" This is too much !" the hunter ejaculated,

*' Stop ! Loyal Heart," said Dona Luz, placing her-
self before him ; " this man is unworthy of your anger*
I prefer seeing him thus •, Y^e \a Yi^^.t m^ix^ ^^t\i ^€ a
bandit-r-he at least plays t\iat m^VouV. «^ m-a."^.^"* _



DIPLOMACY. 271

" Yes ! I have thrown off the mask," the pirate
shouted, furiously : " and now, listen to me, silly girl.
In three days I will return — you see I keep my word,**
he added, with a sinister smile. " I give you time to
reflect. If you do not then consent to follow me^
your uncle shall be given up to the most atrocious
tortures ; and, as a last remembrance of me, I will
send you his head."

" Monster !" the poor girl exclaimed, in an accent
of despair.
