"I don't think you are playing fair," said Myra, after much hesitation.
"However, I promise, if you wish, not to reveal your identity to Tony
to-night, but I shall not promise not to denounce you as soon as I
regain my freedom."
"Thank you, Myra mia, that is sufficient promise," said Don Carlos, and
laughed as he resumed his disguise. "I think I can promise you some
amusement and enlightenment."
He looked again a mysterious and forbidding figure as he took a seat at
the table and rang a bell and gave orders, after laying an automatic
pistol in front of him. Seated on the couch some distance away, Myra
had the sensation of watching and taking part in a play or a game of
make-believe when, after a few minutes, Tony Standish, guarded by two
villainous-looking but picturesquely-attired brigands, was marched into
the apartment.
Tony's face was pale and he looked ruffled. At sight of Myra he gave a
gasp of relief.
"Thank heaven you are safe, darling!" he exclaimed. "I have been crazy
with anxiety about you. How have these bally ruffians been treating
you?"
"I have had a ghastly time, Tony," answered Myra. "I haven't actually
been ill-treated, but this man"--she nodded towards the hooded figure
at the table--"has been making love to me and trying to take advantage
of my helplessness."
"Are you the fellow who calls himself El Diablo Cojuelo?" demanded
Tony, addressing the hooded figure. "Do you speak any English?"
"I am he who is known as El Diablo Cojuelo, señor, and I promise you
that you will find me a veritable devil if you do not agree to my
terms," answered Don Carlos. "Oh, yes, I speak English. How else
could I have made love to the Señorita Rostrevor?"
"How dare you make love to Miss Rostrevor?" blustered Tony. "I warn
you you shall suffer for this outrage. We are British subjects, and
the British Government will make your confounded Spanish Authorities
pay the penalty. Take off that hood thing and let's have a look at
you."
It was a futile sort of speech, but Tony was conscious that he was at a
disadvantage and he was trying to bluff.
"I am afraid the shock of seeing my face might be too much for you,
señor," retorted Don Carlos, with a muffled laugh. "But I am willing
to face you as man to man, if the idea is acceptable to you, and to
fight you with such weapons as you may select, or without weapons. I
flatter myself I am fairly proficient in your English sport of boxing,
if you would prefer a fist fight rather than a duel with swords or
pistols. I rather fancy we can settle this matter without calling for
the intervention of the British Government!"