I would give you
my life; I would lay it down freely for you."
He could find no words to thank her for such un-selfish devotion, but
he pressed her to his heart again and again.
He still held Mariquita's hand, and was soothing her with many
endearing expressions, when La Zandunga, accompanied by Tio Pedro,
returned.
The lovers flew apart, abashed at being surprised.
McKay expected nothing less than coarse abuse, but no honey could be
sweeter than the old people's accents and words.
"Do not mind us," said La Zandunga, coaxingly.
"A pair of turtle-doves," said Tio Pedro: "bashful and timid as
birds."
"Sit down, good sir," went on the old woman: "you can see Mariquita
again. Let us talk first of this business."
"You want horses, I believe?" said Tio Pedro. "I can get you any
number. What price will you pay?"
"What they are worth."
"And a little more, which we will divide between ourselves," added the
old man, with a knowing wink.
"That's not the way with British officers," said McKay, sternly.
"It's the way with ours in Spain."
"That may be. However, I will take five hundred from you, at twenty
pounds apiece, if they are delivered within three days."
Tio Pedro got up and walked towards the door.
"I go to fetch them. I am the key of Southern Spain.
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