" she replied, when she could get her breath, "I had to come
out here and try to know for you the things you ought to know for
yourself."

He said nothing; but, holding her hand tightly, he led her back to the
house.

That evening Jose sent for Don Mario, the constable, and Juan and
Lazaro. Assembling them before him in his living room, he talked with
them long and earnestly.

"_Compadres_," he said, "this week we have passed through a sad
experience, and the dark angel has robbed us of three of our beloved
friends. Is it your wish that death again visit us?"

They looked at one another in wonder. The Alcalde scowled darkly at
the priest beneath his heavy brows. Jose continued:

"_Bien_, it is planned to seize the little Carmen by force, and send
her down the river to Padre Diego--"

_"Dios y diablo!"_ Juan had sprung to his feet. "Who says that,
Padre?" he demanded savagely. The Alcalde shrank back in his chair.

"Be calm, Juan!" Jose replied. "Padre Diego sends for her by
letter--is it not so, Don Mario?"

The latter grunted. Juan wheeled about and stared menacingly at the
bulky official.

"Now, friends," Jose pursued, "it has not been shown that Carmen
belongs to Diego--in fact, all things point to the conclusion that she
is not his child. My wish is to be just to all concerned. But shall we
let the child go to him, knowing what manner of man he is, until it is
proven beyond all doubt that he is her father?"

"_Caramba!_ No!" exclaimed Juan and Lazaro in unison.

"And I am of the opinion that the majority of our citizens would
support us in the contention. What think you, friends?"

"Every man in Simiti, Padre," replied Lazaro earnestly.

"Don Mario," said Jose, turning to the Alcalde, "until it is
established that Diego has a parent's claim to the girl, Juan and
Lazaro and I will protect her with our lives. Is it not so, _amigos_?"
addressing the two men.

"_Hombre!_ Let me see a hand laid upon her!" cried Juan rising.

Lazaro spoke more deliberately. "Padre," he said. "I owe you much. I
know you to be q good man--not like Padre Diego. I know not what claim
he may have on the girl, but this I say: I will follow and support you
until it is shown me that you are in the wrong."

Jose went over and clasped his hand. Then, to the town officials:

"_Bien, amigos_, we will let the matter rest thus, shall we not? We
now understand one another. If harm comes to the child, the death
angel will again stal