shoulders. "They will condemn
him."

Yes, doubtless he would be condemned, for mediaevalism dies hard in
Spain. But the incident was portentous, and the Archbishop and his
keen secretary heard in it an ominous echo.

A servant appeared at the heavy portieres, and at a sign from the
secretary ushered Jose and his father into the august presence
awaiting them.

An hour later the pair emerged from the palace and started homeward.
His Eminence, rousing himself from the profound revery in which he had
been sunk for some moments, turned to his expectant secretary.

"A Luther in embryo!" he ejaculated.

"I feared as much, Your Eminence," returned the austere secretary.

"And yet, a remarkable intellect! Astonishing mental power! But all
tainted with the damnable so-called scientific spirit!"

"True, Your Eminence."

"But marked you not his deep reverence for God? And his sturdy
honesty? And how, despite his embarrassment, the religious zeal of his
soul shown forth?"

"He is morbidly honest, Your Grace."

"A trait I wish we might employ to our own advantage," mused the
churchman. Then, continuing, "He is learned far beyond his years.
Indeed, his questions put me to some stress--but only for the
difficulty of framing replies intelligible to a mind so immature," he
added hastily. "Either he feared my presence, or he is naturally
shrinking."

"He is so by nature, Your Eminence."

The Archbishop reflected. "Naive--pure--simple--mature, yet childish.
Have we covered the ground?"

"Not fully, Your Eminence. We omitted to mention his absorbing filial
devotion."

"True. And that, you tell me, is most pronounced."

"It is his strongest characteristic, Your Eminence. He has no will to
oppose it."

"Would that his devotion were for Holy Church!" sighed the Archbishop.

"I think it may be so directed, Your Eminence," quickly returned the
secretary.

"But--would he ever consent to enter the priesthood? And once in,
would he not prove a most dangerous element?"

The secretary made a deprecating gesture. "If I may suggest, such a
man as he promises to become is far more dangerous outside of the
Church than within, Your Eminence."

The Archbishop studied the man's face for a few moments. "There is
truth in your words, my friend. Yet how, think you, may he be
secured?"

"Your Eminence," replied the secretary warmly, "pardon these
suggestions in matters where you are far better fitted to pass sound
judgment than a