It was a compliment such as any South American might have made to a woman, but somehow it was not the words but the way they were said that made Skye feel embarrassed.

“You could not commit a crime like that in many other countries in the world today and get away with it.”

“Far worse crimes are committed every day by Europeans, as you well know,” El Diablo replied coolly. “The extermination of one rat more or less in Mariposa is of no great consequence.”

“What this country needs is a competent Government,” Skye snapped.

“I am the first to agree with you,” El Diablo said, “but until one is found I am content to take the law into my own hands and administer it as I think best.”

“That makes you a murderer.”

“Many times over, if that is how you regard it,” El Diablo agreed, “but some must die miserably so that others can live well.”

There was a note of bored indifference in his voice that incensed her and made her lose all sense of caution.

“One day you will get your just deserts.”

“Are you threatening me or merely being prophetic?” El Diablo asked. “Surely you are making a very unreasonable fuss about one small hanging?”

“How can you be so callous?” Skye stormed hotly. “He was a man just as you are one. He had feelings, ideals and aspirations. He wanted to live just as you want to live and yet, because you have the power, you killed him, just as you might stand on a black beetle and think nothing of it.”

“And what does this all prove?” El Diablo enquired.

“It proves you are a – ”

She stopped suddenly.

In her anger she had been about to say the unforgivable words, but he spoke them for her.

“Go on,” he said teasingly, “you were about to say that I am a devil. Well, that is what I am called. Can a leopard change his spots?”

Skye choked and looked away from him and after a moment she said in a low voice,

“Forgive me, I was rude and I am well aware that what you do is no business of mine, not where it does not concern me. Let’s return to what is my concern – the reason why I have been brought here.

“The reason for which I understand, señorita, you have already made up your mind.”

“If you mean by that that I think you have kidnapped me for the purpose of extracting a ransom, yes, I am well aware that this is why I have been brought here, so let’s get down to brass tacks, señor – ?”

Skye stopped.

“What is your name?” she asked. “You know mine. Surely it is only fair that you should give me yours?”

“But you already know that I am called El Diablo!”

“I can hardly write a cheque “pay to El Diablo – ”

“I do not require a cheque.”