who mistakes in his zeal to persecute
me, as he will some day learn; and I commend you both to the
protecting care of our blessed Mother Mary.

"I kiss your hand, as your servant in Christ,
"DIEGO GUILLERMO POLO."

Jose looked long and fixedly at the Alcalde. "Don Mario," he finally
said, "do you believe Diego to be the father of Carmen?"

"_Cierto_, Padre, I know it!" replied the official with fervor. "He
has the proofs!"

"And what are they, may I ask?"

"I do not know, Padre; only that he has them. Surely the child is his,
and must be sent to him when he commands. Meantime, you see, he gives
the order to deliver her to me. He has kindly arranged to relieve you
and Rosendo of further care of the girl."

"Don Mario," said Jose with terrible earnestness, "I will give you the
benefit of the doubt, and say that Diego has basely deceived you. But
as for him--he lies."

"_Hombre!_ But I can not help if you disbelieve him. Still, you must
comply with his request; otherwise, the Bishop may compel you to do
so."

Jose realized the terrible possibility of truth in this statement. For
an instant all his old despair rushed upon him. Then he braced
himself. Rosendo was holding his wrath in splendid check.

"_Bien_, Don Mario," resumed Jose, after a long meditation. "Let us
ask our good Rosendo to leave us for a little moment that we may with
greater freedom discuss the necessary arrangements. _Bien, amigo!_"
holding up a hand to check Rosendo, who was rising menacingly before
the Alcalde. "You will leave it to me." He threw Rosendo a significant
look; and the latter, after a momentary hesitation, bowed and passed
out of the room.

"_A proposito, amigo_," resumed Jose, turning to the Alcalde and
assuming utter indifference with regard to Carmen. "As you will
recall, I stood security for Rosendo's debts. The thirty _pesos_ which
he owes you will be ready this evening."

The Alcalde smiled genially and rubbed his fat palms together. "_Muy
bien_," he murmured.

Jose reflected. Then:

"But, Don Mario, with regard to Carmen, justice must be done, is it
not so?"

"_Cierto_, Padre; and Padre Diego has the proofs--"

"Certainly; I accept your word for your conviction in the matter. But
you will agree that there is something to be said for Rosendo. He has
fed, clothed, and sheltered the girl for some eight years. Let us see,
at the rate you charge your _peon