, for instance; likewise to the fact
that fighting Spaniards is not the only thing worth living for."

"Very likely; love is always stronger than hate, and I confess that I hate
the Spaniards much less than I did. Yet, in this matter, I assure you that
I do not in the least exaggerate. You must remember that your companions
will be half-breeds, men who have neither the stamina nor the courage for
really rough work. When the hardships begin they are almost sure to desert
you. If we were going together we might possibly pull through, as we have
already pulled through so many dangers."

"Yes, I shall miss you sorely. All the same, I am resolved to go, even
were the danger tenfold greater than you say it is."

"I feared as much. Well, if I cannot dissuade you from attempting this
enterprise, I must e'en go with you, as I am pledged to do. To let you
undertake it alone, after agreeing to bear you company were treason to our
friendship. It would be like deserting in the face of the enemy."

"Not so, Carmen. The agreement has been cancelled by mutual consent, and
to leave Juanita after winning her heart would be quite as bad as
deserting in face of the enemy. And I have a right to choose my company.
You shall not go with me."

Juanita again gave me her hand, and from the look that accompanied it I
thought that, had I spoken first--but it was too late; the die was cast.

"You will not go just yet," she murmured; "you will stay with us a little
longer."

"As you wish, senorita. A few days more or less will make little
difference."

Several other attempts were made to turn me from my purpose. Don Esteban
himself (who was greatly pleased with his daughter's betrothal to Carmen),
prompted thereto by Juanita, entered the lists. He expressed regret that
he had not another daughter whom he could bestow upon me, and went even so
far as to offer me land and to set me up as a Venezuelan country gentleman
if I would consent to stay.

But I remained firm to my resolve. For, albeit, none perceived it but
myself I was in a false position. Though I was hopelessly in love with
Juanita I liked her so well that the contemplation of Carmen's happiness
did not add to my own. I thought, too, that Juanita guessed the true state
of the case; and she was so kind and gentle withal, and her gratitude at
times was so demonstrative that I feared if I stayed long at Naparima
there might be trouble, for like all men of Spanish blood, Carmen was
qu