"
"Our promise was conditional on Mariquita's consent," said La
Zandunga, with clever evasion. "That you have never been able to
obtain."
"I should have secured it in time but for this scoundrel who has come
between me and my affianced bride. He'll have to settle with me,
whoever he is," and so saying, Benito came closer to McKay, whom
hitherto he had not recognised. "The Englishman!" he cried, starting
back.
"Very much at your service," replied McKay, shortly. "I am not afraid
of your threats. I think I can hold my own with you as I have done
before."
"We shall see," and with a muttered execration, full of hatred and
malice, he rushed from the place.
When, an hour or two later, Mrs. Wilders hunted him up at the Redhot
Shell Ramp, she found him in a mood fit for any desperate deed. But,
with native cunning, he pretended to show reluctance when she asked
him for his help.
"Who is it you hate? An Englishman? Any one on the Rock?" he said.
"And what do you want done? I have no wish to bring myself within
reach of the English law."
"It is an English officer. He is here just now, but will presently
return to the Crimea."
"What is his name?" asked Benito, eagerly, his black heart inflamed
with a wild hope of revenge.
"McKay--Stanislas McKay, of the Royal Picts.
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