ing day. But now--now we know that it was Padre Jose. And he was
sent to Simiti for it. But--ah, senorita, the little mother was so
beautiful, and so good! She--but, senorita, you are not leaving so
soon?"

Carmen had risen. "Yes, my good senora," she said wearily. "We must
now return to the hotel. But--here is more money for the boy. And,
senora, when I reach the States I will send you money every month for
him."

She took Harris's hand. "Come," she said simply, "I have seen enough
of the city."

* * * * *

At noon the next day a message from Bodega Central was put into the
hand of the acting-Bishop of Cartagena, as he sat in his study,
wrapped in the contemplation of certain papers before him. Hostilities
had begun along the Magdalena river the day before. The gates of
Cartagena were to be barricaded that day, for a boatload of rebels was
about to leave Barranquilla to storm the city and seize, if possible,
the customs. When he had read the message he uttered an exclamation.
Had not the Sister Superior of the Convent of Our Lady reported the
arrival of the daughter of Rosendo Ariza some days before? He seized
his hat and left the room.

Hastening to the Department of Police, he had a short interview with
the chief. Then that official despatched policemen to the office of
the steamship company, and to the dock. Their orders were to arrest
two Americans who were abducting a young girl. They returned a half
hour later with sheepish faces. "Your Excellency," they announced to
their chief, "the vessel sailed from the port an hour ago, with the
Americans and the girl aboard."

The announcement aroused in Wenceslas the fury of a tiger. Exacerbation
succeeded surprise; and that in turn gave way to a maddening thirst for
sanguinary vengeance. He hastened out and despatched a telegraphic
message to Bogota. Then he returned to his study to await its effect.

Two days later a river steamer, impressed by the federal authorities,
stopped at the mouth of the Boque, and a squad of soldiers marched
over the unfrequented trail to Simiti, where they arrived as night
fell. Their orders were to take into custody the priest, Jose de
Rincon, who was accused of complicity in the recent plot to overthrow
the existing government.

At the same time, on a vessel plowing its way into the North, a young
girl, awkwardly wearing her ill-fitting garments, hung over the rail
and gazed wistfully back