diligent inquiries revealed nothing.
Two years later I was assigned to the parish of Simiti. Here I saw the
little locket which I had given her, and knew that Carmen was my
child. Ah, _Dios!_ what a revelation to a breaking heart! But I could
not openly acknowledge her, for I was already in disgrace, as you
know. And, once down, it is easy to sink still further. I confess, I
was indiscreet here. I was forced to fly. Rosendo's daughter followed
me, despite my protests. I was assigned to Banco. _Bien_, time passed,
and you came. I had hoped you would take the little Carmen under your
protection. God, how I grieved for the child! At last I determined,
come what might, to see her. The revolution drove me to the mountains;
and love for my girl brought me by way of Simiti. And now, _amigo_,
you have my confession--and you will not be hard on me? _Caramba_, I
need a friend!" He sat down, and mopped his wet brow. His talk had
shaken him visibly.

Again oppressive silence. Jose was staring with unseeing eyes out
through the open doorway. A stream of sunlight poured over the dusty
threshold, and myriad motes danced in the golden flood.

"_Bien, amigo_," Diego resumed, with more confidence. "I had not
thought to reveal this, my secret, to you--nor to any one, for that
matter--but just to get a peep at my little daughter, and assure my
anxious heart of her welfare. But since coming here and seeing how
mature she is my plans have taken more definite shape. I shall leave
at daybreak to-morrow, if Don Mario can have my supplies ready on this
short notice, and--will take Carmen with me."

Jose struggled wearily to his feet. The color had left his face, and
ages seemed to bestride his bent shoulders. His voice quavered as he
slowly spoke.

"Leave me now, Don Diego. It were better that we should not meet again
until you depart."

"But, _amigo_--ah, I feel for you, believe me! You are attached to the
child--who would not be? _Caramba_, what is this world but a cemetery
of bleaching hopes! But--how can I ask it? _Amigo_, send the child to
me at the house of the Alcalde. I would hold her in my arms and feel a
father's joy. And bid the good Dona Maria make her ready for
to-morrow's journey."

Jose turned to the man. An ominous calm now possessed him. "You
said--the San Lucas district?"

"_Quien sabe?_ good friend," Diego made hasty reply. "My plans seem
quite altered since coming here. _Bien_, we must see. But I will leave
you now.