"Please don't trouble, señor. I can't believe she is in your pay. She
seemed afraid and crossed herself when she mentioned your name. You
might frighten her to death. Incidentally, do you wear your disguise
all the time, even when you are safe here in your mountain lair? Do
you look so much like a devil that you are afraid to show your face?"
She looked challengingly at the hooded figure of her captor as she
asked the questions. His cowl had two holes cut for the eyes and a
slit at the mouth, and she was wondering what manner of face it
concealed.
"The señorita pays me the compliment of wishing to see me without
disguise!" exclaimed Cojuelo. "Sweet lady, are you not afraid you may
fall in love with your captor?"
"I think I can take the risk," retorted Myra drily.
"It is more than a risk," rejoined Cojuelo, "but I will discard my
disguise with pleasure. Behold El Diablo Cojuelo!"
He flung off his cowl and robe, and Myra sprang to her feet with a cry
of amazement and her hands went convulsively to her breast. For she
found herself looking into the smiling and triumphant eyes of Don
Carlos de Ruiz.