Bandit Love

"Please don't trouble, señor. I can't believe she is in your pay. She

seemed afraid and crossed herself when she mentioned your name. You

might frighten her to death. Incidentally, do you wear your disguise

all the time, even when you are safe here in your mountain lair? Do

you look so much like a devil that you are afraid to show your face?"

She looked challengingly at the hooded figure of her captor as she

asked the questions. His cowl had two holes cut for the eyes and a

slit at the mouth, and she was wondering what manner of face it

concealed.

"The señorita pays me the compliment of wishing to see me without

disguise!" exclaimed Cojuelo. "Sweet lady, are you not afraid you may

fall in love with your captor?"

"I think I can take the risk," retorted Myra drily.

"It is more than a risk," rejoined Cojuelo, "but I will discard my

disguise with pleasure. Behold El Diablo Cojuelo!"

He flung off his cowl and robe, and Myra sprang to her feet with a cry

of amazement and her hands went convulsively to her breast. For she

found herself looking into the smiling and triumphant eyes of Don

Carlos de Ruiz.