I can arrange better when my thirst is
satisfied."
After drinking deeply he turned and laughed. "It has been a busy time
since sunset."
Then, as if a new idea suddenly struck him, he queried cunningly, "There
will be a reward offered?"
"I suppose so."
"Then you will be a rich woman."
Madam Marx flung herself at his feet and wept bitterly. The blow was a
cruel one indeed. Eagerly she entreated him to retract his words. She
reminded him of all she had done for him, of all she would still do. A
sort of eloquence came to her as she pleaded her cause, and Gregorio,
weary with excitement, kissed her as he asked:
"But why should you not give me up?"
"Because I love you."
Neither blood nor cruelty could stain him in her eyes.
At last her passion spent itself; calmed and soothed by Gregorio's
caress she realised again the danger her lover ran. Vainly were plans
discussed; no fair chance of escape seemed open. At last Gregorio said:
"I shall leave here to-night for Ramleh and live in the desert for a
time. If you help me we can manage easily. When my beard is grown I can
get back here safely enough, and the matter will be forgotten.
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