s. And we have no money. Nor could we
get the gold exchanged for bills here in Simiti, even if we dared run
the risk of our discovery becoming known."

For the Alcalde was already nosing about in an effort to ascertain the
source of the gold with which Rosendo had just cancelled his debt and
purchased further supplies. Jose now saw that, under existing
conditions, it would be utterly impossible for Rosendo to obtain
titles to mineral properties through Don Mario. He spent hours seeking
a solution of the involved problem. Then, just before Rosendo departed
again for the mountains, Jose called him into the parish house.

"Rosendo, I think I see a way. Bring me one of the paper boxes of
candles which you have just purchased from Don Mario."

"Carumba! Padre," queried the surprised Rosendo, as he returned with
the box, "and what is this for?"

"I merely want to get the name of the firm which sold the candles. The
Empresa Alemania, Barranquilla. Good! Now listen. I have a method that
is roundabout, but certainly promises much. I will write to the firm,
appointing them my agents while I pose as Jose Rincon, miner. The
agency established, I will send them our gold each month, asking them
to return to me its equivalent in bills, deducting, of course, their
commission. Then I will send these bills, or such part as we deem
wise, to Wenceslas. Each month Juan, who will be sworn to secrecy,
will convey the gold to Bodega Central in time to meet Captain Julio's
boat. The captain will both deliver the gold to the Empresa Alemania,
and bring back the bills in exchange. Then, from Simiti, and in the
regular manner, I will send the small packet of bills to Wenceslas as
contributions from the parish. We thus throw Don Mario off the scent,
and arouse no suspicion in any quarter. As I receive mail matter at
various times, the Alcalde will not know but what I also receive
consignments of money from my own sources. I think the plan will work
out. Juan already belongs to us. What, then, is there to fear?"

And so, as it was arranged, it worked out. Juan reveled in the honor
of such intimate relations with the priest and Rosendo, and especially
in the thought that he was working in secret for the girl he adored.
By the time Rosendo returned again from Guamoco, Jose had sent his
first consignment of money to the Bishop, carefully directing it to
Wenceslas, personally, and had received an acknowledgment in a letter
which caused him deep tho