limbs, and drew up a chair near Jose.

"So you wrote a book, no? And rapped the sacred priesthood? _Hombre_!
That is good! I never did think you a real priest. But, _amigo_, lend
me a copy, for I doubt not it is most excellent reading, and will
serve to while away many a weary hour in the jungle." His eyes snapped
merrily, and he slapped Jose roundly upon the back when he finished
speaking.

"But," he continued more seriously, "things seem to be setting against
you, friend. However, let me but canvass the town to-morrow, and by
evening I can advise. _Caramba_! this old hole a military depot! Who
would have thought it! And yet--and yet--I wonder why the Governor
sends arms here. _Bien_, we shall see."

Don Jorge needed not a full day to correctly estimate the situation in
Simiti. His bluff, hearty manner and genial good-nature constituted a
passport to every house, and by midday he had talked with nearly every
man in the _pueblo_. He called Jose and Rosendo for consultation
during the _siesta_.

"_Bien_," he said, when they were seated in the parish house, "Don
Mario without doubt descends from the very serpent that tempted our
mother Eve! He has become a person of considerable importance since
the Governor and Don Wenceslas strive with each other to rest their
authority and confidence in him. And, unless I mistake much, they have
him slated for important work. However that may be, the man already
has a large following. Moreover, he has them well poisoned against
you, _amigo_ Jose. They know more details about your book and your
life before coming to Simiti than do you. _Bien_, you must counteract
the Alcalde's influence by a public statement. It must be to-night--in
the church! You will have to act quickly, for the old fox has you
picked for trouble! Diego's disappearance, you know; the girl, Carmen;
your rather foolish course here--it is all laid up against you,
friend, and you must meet it!"

Jose assented. Don Jorge went out and summoned the town to a meeting
in the church that evening. Immediately Don Mario issued a mandate
forbidding a public gathering at a time of such stress. The people
began to assemble on the street corners and in front of their houses
to discuss the situation. Their talk became loud and animated. Threats
were heard. The people were becoming divided. Don Jorge was
everywhere, and none could talk so volubly nor gesticulate and
expectorate so vehemently as he.

At sundown the people moved