, and if Lazaro
Ortiz has returned from the _hacienda_. Bid them come to me at once,
and bring their _machetes_!"

The woman set out on her errand. Jose seized his _machete_ firmly in
one hand, and with the other drew Carmen to him.

"What is it, Padre dear?" the child asked, her eyes big with wonder.
"Why do you tremble? I wish you wouldn't always go around thinking
that two and two are seven!"

"Carmen, child--you do not understand--you are too young, and as yet
you have had no experience with--with the world! You must trust me
now!"

"I do _not_ trust you, Padre," she said sadly. "I can't trust anybody
who always sees things that are not so."

"Carmen--you are in danger--and you do not comprehend--" cried the
desperate man.

"I am _not_ in danger--and I _do_ understand--a great deal better than
you do, Padre. Now let me go--you are afraid! People who are afraid
die of the plague!" The irony of her words sank into his soul.

Juan looked in at the door. Jose rose hastily. "Did you meet Dona
Maria?" he asked.

"No, senor," the lad replied.

"She is searching for you--have you your _machete_?"

"Yes, Padre, I have just come back from the island, where I was
cutting wood."

"Good, then! Remain here with me. I need you--or may."

He went to the door and looked eagerly down the street. "Ah!" he
exclaimed with relief, "here come Dona Maria and Lazaro! Now,
friends," he began, when they were assembled before him, "grave danger
threatens--"

"Padre!" It was Dona Maria's voice. "Where is Carmen?"

Jose turned. The child had disappeared.

"Lazaro!" he cried, "go at once to the Boque trail! Let no one pass
that way with Carmen, if your life be the penalty! Juan, hurry to the
lake! If either of you see her, call loudly, and I will come! Dona
Maria, start through the town! We must find her! God above, help us!"

* * * * *

The afternoon dragged its interminable length across the valley. Jose
wearily entered his house and threw himself upon a chair. He had not
dared call at the Alcalde's house, for fear he might do that official
violence. But he had seen Fernando in the street, and had avoided him.
Then, of a sudden, a thought came to him from out the darkness. He
sprang to his feet and hurried off toward the shales. There, beneath
the stunted _algarroba_ tree, sat the child.

"Carmen!" He rushed to her and clasped her in his arms. "Why did you
do this--?"

"Padre,