k through this town, and--" he looked hard at Don
Mario, whilst that official visibly shrank in size--"_Bien_," he
concluded, "a sharp watch will be kept over the child. We will submit
to proofs--but to nothing less. And violence will bring bloodshed and
death."

"But--_Caramba_!" cried Don Mario, at last finding his voice. "If
Diego has the Bishop back of him, he will force us to deliver the
girl--or the Bishop will have the government soldiers sent here! I can
ask for them--and if necessary I will!"

Jose paled slightly. He knew the Alcalde spoke truth. Don Mario,
seeing that his words had taken effect, quickly followed up the
advantage. "Now you, Juan and Lazaro, do you think the little whelp
worth that?"

The words were scarcely out of his mouth when Juan leaped across the
floor and fell upon him. Jose seized the lad and, with Fernando's
help, tore him loose. Lazaro held his _machete_ aloft, ready to
strike. Jose's voice rang out sharply:

"Hold, men! Stop! Go you to your homes now! Juan, do you stay here
with me!"

The lad faced the Alcalde and shook his fist. "_Bien_," he sputtered,
"send for the soldiers, fat dog that you are! But when I see them
crossing the lake, I will come first to your house and cut open that
big belly!"

"Arrest him, Fernando!" shrilled the Alcalde, shaking with rage.

"I will cut off the hand that is laid on Juan!" cried Lazaro,
advancing.

"Men! Men! Don Mario and Fernando, go now! Enough of this! And for
God's sake think twice before you make any further move!"

Don Mario and his constable departed in sullen silence. Jose let
Lazaro out through the rear door, while he bade Juan pass the night in
the parish house. A consultation was held with Dona Maria, and it was
arranged that Carmen should sleep in the room with Jose, with Juan
lying before the door, until Rosendo should return from the mountains.
Then Jose sat down and wrote to the Bishop.

* * * * *

No reply came from Cartagena until Rosendo returned at the end of the
month. Meanwhile, Jose had never for a moment permitted Carmen to
leave his side. The child chafed under the limitation; but Jose and
Dona Maria were firm. Juan lived with the priest; and Lazaro lurked
about the parish house like a shadow. The Alcalde and his constable
remained discreetly aloof.

But with Rosendo's return came letters from both Wenceslas and Diego.
The latter had laid aside his unction, and now