d a couple of Mausers I could
put these ancient Springfields on the bum in a hurry!"

"Tell him, friend, that we are prepared to die," replied Jose
drearily, as he turned back into the gloom and took Carmen's hand.

The final assault began, and Jose knew that it was only a question of
minutes when the trembling doors would fall. He crouched with his
companions behind the altar, awaiting the inevitable. Carmen held his
hand tightly.

"Love will save us, Padre," she whispered. "Love them! Love them,
Padre! They don't know what is using them--and it has no power! God is
here--is everywhere! Love will save us!"

Rosendo bent over and whispered to Don Jorge, "When the doors fall and
the men rush in, stand you here with me! When they reach the altar we
will throw ourselves upon them, I first, you following, while Juan
will bring Carmen and try to protect her. With our _machetes_ we will
cut our way out. If we find that it is hopeless--then give me
Carmen!"

A moment later, as with a loud wail, the two front doors burst asunder
and fell crashing to the floor. A flood of golden sunlight poured into
the dark room. In its yellow wake rushed the mob, with exultant yells.
Rosendo rose quickly and placed himself at the head of his little
band.

But, ere the first of the frenzied besiegers had crossed the threshold
of the church, a loud cry arose in the _plaza_.

"The soldiers! _Dios arriba_! The soldiers!"

Down the main thoroughfare came a volley of shots. Don Mario, half way
through the church door, froze in his tracks. Those of his followers
who had entered, turned quickly and made pellmell for the exit. Their
startled gaze met a company of federal troops rushing down the street,
firing as they came. Don Mario strained after his flying wits.

"Close the doors!" he yelled. But the doors were prone upon the floor,
and could not be replaced. Then he and his men scrambled out and
rushed around to one side of the building. As the soldiers came
running up, the Alcalde's followers fired point blank into their
faces, then dropped their guns and fled precipitately.

It was all over in a trice. Within an hour staid old Simiti lay in the
grip of martial law, with its once overweening Alcalde, now a meek and
frightened prisoner, arraigned before Captain Morales, holding court
in the shabby town hall.

But the court-martial was wholly perfunctory. Though none there but
himself knew it, the captain had come with the disposal of t