human
Who posted you here?
gpt
Juan Cateras, _señor_,
human
Not on my order. Dias is watching above. Did the lieutenant give you a reason?
gpt
The prisoners, _señor_.
human
The prisoners! Oh, yes; those that Lacy had confined here. Well, they will not be here for long. I do not believe in prisoners, and because I do business with that dog is no reason why he is privileged to use this place to hold his victims. I have just despatched a messenger to Haskell to that effect, and we'll soon be rid of them. Where is Cateras?
gpt
In the valley, _señor_! he went back down the passage with Silva after posting us here.
human
And the prisoners?
gpt
Occupy the two inner cells. Merodiz here says one of them is a girl.
human
A girl! the tall man laughed.
gpt
That then will account for the unusual interest of Juan Cateras, and why he preferred being left in charge. A girl, hey, Merodiz! You saw the witch? What sort was she?
human
An American, _señor_, young, and good to look at, the other man explained.
gpt
Her eyes as blue as the skies.
human
Good! 'tis not often the gods serve us so well. I forgive Cateras for failure to report such a prize, but from now on will see that he takes his proper place. She was here when we came?
gpt
No, _señor_; the two Americanos brought her; it was Silva and I who put her in the cell.
human
At Cateras's order?
gpt
Yes, _señor_.
human
In what cell?
gpt
The second in the passage; the man who was here when we came has the one this way.
human
Caramba! this is all pleasant enough. I will pay my respects to the lady, and there is no time like the present.
gpt
We remain here, _señor_?
human
Yes, you might as well, his lips smiling,
gpt
Quick, she breathed in his ear.
human
There is a niche where we can hide a few yards back. If he follows the other wall he might pass, and not notice.
gpt
But he goes to your cell; 'tis Pasqual Mendez.
human
I know, but come. He must not go there. I will tell you my plan.
gpt
It can be done, she insisted,