s to many of the people without
much cost to myself, to pay their debts and aid them to escape from the
thraldom of blood-sucking money-lenders and tyrannical masters. I have
also made it possible for men to marry the girls of their choice, in
cases where the parents objected. A threat from El Diablo Cojuelo to
carry off a girl if she is not allowed to marry the man she loves, is
usually enough to bring her parents to their senses."

"So, if I understand you aright, you are a sort of benevolent brigand,
doing good without much risk or expense to yourself?" remarked Myra.
"A sort of modern Claude Duval--although he was a highway-man and not a
kidnapper."

"It pleases you to be ironic, Myra," responded Don Carlos. "Expense
does not concern me, for I am very wealthy, but it pleases me to
deprive the blood-suckers of their ill-gotten gains. As for the risk,
I suggest you underestimate it. There is a price on the head of El
Diablo Cojuelo, as I have mentioned, and the military have orders to
shoot at sight. Apart from that, however, if my identity were
betrayed, my wealth and position would not save me from being cast into
prison. I might even be condemned to death."

"How amusing!" commented Myra, still inclined to be scornful. "What
you say may be true, but it does not explain or excuse your conduct in
bringing me here as your captive. I was your guest, and therefore you
were responsible for my safety."

"I warned you that El Diablo Cojuelo might carry you off and teach you
how to love," answered Don Carlos, his grave face illuminated by a
boyish, impish smile.

"Oh, don't talk nonsense!" exclaimed Myra impatiently. "You cannot
excuse your conduct. I haven't been robbing the poor or anything of
the sort, and if you attempt to keep me here there will be trouble.
Tony will move heaven and earth to find me."

"I could excuse myself, if excuses were necessary, by explaining that I
have captured girls before to save them from marrying men they did not
love," said Don Carlos. "El Diablo Cojuelo fell in love with you at
first sight, and will prevent you from marrying the man to whom you are
betrothed but do not love."

"Don Carlos, please be sensible," pleaded Myra, at heart a little
fearful now. "Don't you realise that this escapade may have serious
consequences for you? Tony is sure to communicate with the British
Ambassador, and the affair may become one of international importance.
The best thing you ca