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Pride was strong at first, and it was pride that made me send Unzar after you. I told him what had happened. I hounded him to hunt you down. Then when he had gone my battle began. Ah, dearest, dearest, it all came back, our days together, the life we led, knowing no other word but love, thinking no thoughts that were not of each other. And love conquered.
"Love of the Virgin, not here, senors. My house the alcalde " "You have a strap there." Unzar pointed to a bridle hanging from a peg by the doorway. "No words; quick; do as you are told." The two men held out their left arms till wrist touched wrist, and Catala, trembling and protesting, lashed them together with a strap. "Tighter," commanded Felipe; "put all your strength to it."
"Then the sooner the better," he muttered between his set teeth, and the knives flashed in the hands of the two men so suddenly that the gleam of one seemed only the reflection of the other. Unzar held out his left wrist. "Are you willing?" he demanded, with a significant glance. "And ready," returned the other, baring his forearm. Catala, keeper of the inn, was called.
Unzar was not a week gone before I followed him to call him back, to shield you, to save you from his fury. I came all but too late, and found you both half dead. My brother and my lover, your body across his, your blood mingling with his own. But not too late to love you back to life again. Your life is mine now, Felipe. I love you, I love you."
The strap was drawn up to another hole. "Now, Catala, stand back," commanded Unzar, "and count three slowly. At the word 'three, Senor Arillaga, we begin. You understand." "I understand." "Ready.... Count." "One." Felipe and Unzar each put his right hand grasping the knife behind his back as etiquette demanded. "Two."
He felt no pain, only a little weak, but there was a comfortable sense of brandy at his lips, an arm supported his head, and the voice of Rubia Ytuerate spoke his name. He sat up on a sudden. "Rubia, you!" he cried. "What is it? What happened? Oh, I remember, Unzar we fought. Oh, my God, how we fought! But you What brought you here?" "Thank Heaven," she murmured, "you are better.
Well, he answers to me for the dishonour." "Wait. Stop!" interposed Felipe. "Your name, senor." "Unzar Ytuerate, and my enemy is called Arillaga. Him I seek and " "Then you shall seek no farther!" shouted Felipe. "It is to Rubia Ytuerate, your sister, whom I owe all my unhappiness, all my suffering. She has hurt not me only, but one but Mother of God, we waste words!" he cried.
A woman, one of the escort who had accompanied her, entered hurriedly. "Senorita," cried this one, "your brother, the Senor Unzar, he is dying." Rubia hurried to an adjoining room, where upon a mattress on the floor lay her brother. "Put that woman out," he gasped as his glance met hers. "I never sent for her," he went on. "You are no longer sister of mine.
"Knife to knife, Unzar Ytuerate. I am Felipe Arillaga, and may God be thanked for the chance that brings this quarrel to my hand." "You! You!" gasped Unzar. Fury choked him; his hands clutched and unclutched now fists, now claws. His teeth grated sharply while a quivering sensation as of a chill crisped his flesh.
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