Johnston McCulley

“ Inez asked.
"I remain with my father to the end; I am as guilty as he is, señora. I know now that failure is coming. The good saints would not let such an enterprise succeed. The pride born in my blood has recalled me to honesty too late, perchance, but it will at least teach me to be brave when all is lost. There will be no escape. Carlotta Bonilla did not know how to live—she will know how to die!"
"Señorita, I beg of you—" Ruiz began.
But she had wrapped the robe around her and hurried from the hut. ”

“ In the hut they sat as the quick tropical night descended, Inez and Botello side by side, and Ruiz across from them, and ate the food the cacique had furnished. Before the door two native guards were on watch.
"It could have been far more serious," Botello said, "yet it is bad enough as it is. We live, but are close prisoners. The chieftain, no doubt, already has sent runners to the Great Cacique, and in a short time he will learn we have no right to superior protection. Then will our end come in short order." ”

“ It may be called a predicament."
"We live," Ruiz reminded him. "Violence will avail us naught here and now, especially since we have no weapons with which to practise it. But wit and strategy remain, thank the saints!" ”