"Humph! An' what does ze 'usband promise? An' 'as 'e kept 'is promise?"
There was no reply. "Is plain 'e 'as not. Zen why should you keep your word
to 'im, when 'e 'as broken 'is word to you? Eh? Why do you not go before ze
judge and 'ave your promise broken? Why ees it ze custom of your country?
Why? Why?" He looked bewildered.
Lucia could say nothing. What was there to say? Suddenly Uncle Henry's
sharp voice was heard: "I'll tell you why!"
Lopez turned to him. "And why?"
"She ain't got no money," Uncle Henry informed the room.
Lucia lifted her face. "Oh, do you think that would make any difference?"
"So!" Lopez was interested, "'Er 'usband? 'E 'as money?"
"He's richer'n mud," Uncle Henry declared.
Pell started to speak; but Pedro stopped him by lifting his gun.
"How much?" Lopez asked, not noticing.
Uncle Henry was bursting with information. "He's worth millions, the big
bum!"
The bandit's eyes opened wide. "Millions!" he repeated. He looked at Lucia.
"Yet 'e give nozzing to ze wife. H'm! Senora, tell me.... Does a widow in
your country get any of 'er 'usband's money when 'e dies?"
Pell, listening intently, drew a sharp breath. He caught the significance
of the question.
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