In an agony of mind she began to pace the bare floor, and the sound of her footsteps soon brought an old man to her door, a dried-up creature with a crafty and cruel face. He carried in his hand a tray containing a bottle of native wine and some flour cakes. "Better have a bite, señorita," he mumbled. "Captain said you were to have it." "I want nothing," returned Estella, pushing the food aside. "Where is Captain Nocolo?" "Gone to report to the general. He will be back shortly." "I will go below." "Excuse me, but the captain's orders are that you remain in this room." "You intend to keep me a prisoner?" The old man nodded. "I will not remain! Let me pass!" She essayed to move toward the door. He blocked the way, and showed a wonderful strength for so old a creature as he forced her back. "Not so fast, my fair lady. I must obey orders," he chuckled, in his Cuban patois. And leaped back to the doorway. "Attempt to escape, and you will pay dearly for it," he added, threateningly. "What does Captain Nocolo intend to do with me?" "He said you and he were to be married." "Married!" gasped Estella. "Never! I would rather die!" "'Tis easily said. Yet it would be much better to be the gallant captain's wife, to my way of thinking. However, we all have different tastes. Some want garlic in their soup, some detest garlic, and some do not want the soup at all!" and he laughed at his old Spanish saying. To this Estella did not reply, and the old man left her. The hours dragged by slowly until, toward noon, she heard somebody approaching. From the window she saw that it was Captain Nocolo. In a moment he presented himself at the door and smiled hypocritically. "I am exceedingly glad to see that you have recovered," he remarked as he locked the door, put the key in his pocket and seated himself on a chair. "I was afraid you were seriously indisposed. I would not have left you, but duty to our country demanded it." "It's a great pity you did not remain away," she returned, coldly. "I could have gotten along very well without you." "You are very unkind, my fair Estella," he went on, suavely. "I did no more than the force of circumstances demanded." "Your attack upon Señor Sherwood was cowardly!" "I differ with you. He attacked my coach first. Besides, he is nothing but a rebel." "If he is, then so am I, Captain Nocolo." "You a rebel!" he laughed. "But, perhaps; anything to be with that spy, I presume!" "When are you going to set me free?" she demanded, changing the subject. "As soon as you become my wife." "That will never be!" "We will see. I do not intend to stand aside for Lieutenant Mazenas any longer." "As I never intended to marry him, you will not have to stand aside," cried Estella. "But I will never marry you, so you might as well give me my liberty." He advanced and caught her suddenly by both wrists. "I say you shall marry me!" he hissed. "I will force you to do it! You cannot possibly escape me."