Venustiano and Pedro, his chief
lieutenants, obeyed at once, forcing them to march ahead of them, and
standing guard over them near a great cactus bush a few feet from the
adobe. "Leave ze women with me," the bandit continued. "But first,
Alvarada, you find ze cook. I am 'ongry."
"_Si_," answered Alvarada; and after he had made certain that Pedro and
Venustiano could handle the three men, one of whom, after all, was but an
invalid in a wheel chair, he made his way to the kitchen. He knew there
were two other companions who would help in any emergency. They slunk in
the background, cigarettes between their lips, guns always ready for
action. The house was completely surrounded.
Lucia and Angela, left alone with Lopez, revealed the deep concern they
felt. They watched the bandit as he pawed through some papers on the table.
With maddening indifference he then lighted another cigarette, and went
over to the door, looking out at the male prisoners. Finally he turned upon
them, looked them over, and remarked:
"What a pity. Only two women!"
They shuddered away from his gaze.
There was a noise from the direction of the kitchen, and Alvarada, with the
miserable little Mexican cook ahead of him, rushed in.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134