Bandit Love

She was inclined to laugh at herself next morning, and to chide herself

for being sentimental, and the opportunity to administer another

reproof speedily presented itself.

"Did you hear someone singing a serenade in the courtyard last night,

Myra, after we went to bed?" one of the guests inquired in Don Carlos's

hearing.

"Yes, I thought of throwing him a few coppers in the hope he would stop

and let me get to sleep," drawled Myra, and had the satisfaction of

seeing Don Carlos's lips tighten and his black brows draw together in a

frown.

"If you are prepared to run the risk of being waylaid by El Diablo

Cojuelo, I suggest that you go riding and allow me to show you the

neighbourhood," Don Carlos said. "I have half a dozen good horses in

my stables."

Myra, Tony, and several others who were keen on horse exercise welcomed

the proposal with enthusiasm, and went to change into riding kit.

Their ride was quite uneventful. They saw some fine mountain scenery,

but no sign of any brigands. They did, however, meet a squad of

mounted carabineros, who saluted them respectfully, and with the leader

of whom Don Carlos paused to chat.

"You will be relieved to learn that the officer reports that everything

seems quiet, and he has no news of El Diablo Cojuelo having been seen

in the neighbourhood for many weeks," he reported when he rejoined his

guests. "But I doubt if he has taken fright, as the Captain suggests.

He isn't easily scared."

He made no attempt to make love to Myra that day, but often she caught

him looking at her with an expression that baffled her and made her

feel vaguely uneasy. He looked, somehow, like a schoolboy with a

sphinx-like expression, planning mischief and inwardly enjoying some

private joke.

"He is quite the most exasperating man I have ever met--and the most

interesting," Myra reflected, as she dressed for dinner that evening.

"I wonder if he really has a heart, or if he is acting all the time?"

Dinner was served in the great hall that night, and once again it was a

triumph for the chef and the host. During the meal an orchestra,

composed of some of the servants on the estate, clad in picturesque

national costumes, discoursed sweet, haunting, heart-stirring music.

Outside, the courtyard was festooned with coloured lights and around

lighted braziers groups of men, women and children, in multi-coloured

garments, were gathered, feasting, singing, playing and dancing.

"To-night, if it pleases you, we will mingle with my people, who are

holding festival in your honour," said Don Carlos when dinner was over.

"I would advise you all to put on your warmest wraps, for the night

winds here in the Sierra Morena are treacherous."