le flushed with embarrassment. "_Na_, Padre, a thousand
pardons--but it is the order of the Alcalde, and I only obey. But--you
may knock me down," he added eagerly, "and then I can return to him
and say that I could not take the girl, even by force!" The honest
fellow, ashamed of his mission, hung his head. Jose seized his hand.

"Fernando!" he cried, "what say the people of Simiti?"

"They are with you, Padre. They would demand Rosendo's release, if
there were proof that the girl--"

"Good, then! we have the proof," broke in Jose. "Rosendo knows of our
return?"

"Yes, the guard informed him this morning. The Alcalde, you know,
permits no one to approach the prisoner."

"And does he know that Ana is here?"

"The guard did not tell him, for fear of exciting the old man.
_Hombre!_ I think there is no one in town who would venture to tell
Rosendo that."

"_Bien pues_, Fernando, I think the time has come! Go quietly back and
summon every one to a meeting in the town hall at once. Tell them--"

"_Bien_, Padre, I shall know what to tell them. But," anxiously, "Don
Mario has the power to--"

"And we have a greater power," quickly replied the priest, his thought
dwelling on Carmen.

An hour later the town hall was a babel of clacking tongues. Men,
women and children hurried, chattering, to and fro, exchanging diverse
views and speculating eagerly on the probable outcome of the meeting.
Jose stood before them, with Carmen's hand clasped tightly in his. Don
Mario, purple and trembling with rage, was perched upon a chair,
vainly trying to get the ear of the people.

In the midst of the hubbub a hush fell suddenly over the concourse.
All heads turned, and all eyes fastened upon Ana, as she entered the
room and moved timidly toward Jose. The people fell back to make a
passage for her. Her shoulders were bent, and her face was covered
with a black _mantilla_.

Don Mario, as his glance fell upon her, again attempted to address the
multitude. A dozen voices bade him cease. A strong arm from behind
pushed him from the chair. His craven heart began to quake, and he
cast anxious glances toward the single exit.

Gently removing the _mantilla_ from the face of the woman, Jose turned
her toward the people. "Friends!" he said in a loud, penetrating
voice, "behold the work of Diego!"

He paused for the effect which he knew would be made upon this
impressionable people. Then, when the loud murmur had passed, he drew
Carmen ou