You would fight the
Russians, wouldn't you?"
"I would do anything, Stanislas, to help you, to shield you from harm. Why
can't I go with you? Who knows! I might save you. I, a weak, helpless girl,
would be strong if you were in danger. I am ready, Stanislas, to sacrifice
my life for yours."
Greatly touched by the deep devotion displayed by these sweet words,
McKay bent his head and kissed her on the lips.
But at this moment the tender scene was abruptly ended by the shrill,
strident tones of La Zandunga's voice.
"So I have caught you, shameless girl, philandering again with this
rascally red-coat. May he die in a dog-kennel! Here, in my very house!
But, I promise you, it is for the last time. _Hola!_ Benito! Pedro!
help!" and, screaming wildly, the old crone tore Mariquita from
McKay's side and dragged her into the house.
The young sergeant, eager to protect his love from ill-usage, would
have followed, but he was confronted by Benito, who now stood in the
doorway, black and menacing, with a great two-edged Albacete knife in
his hand.
"Stand back, miscreant, hated Englishman, or I will stab you to the
heart."
Nothing daunted by the threat, McKay advanced boldly on Benito; with
one hand he caught his would-be assailant by the throat; with the
other the wrist that was lifted to strike.
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