to protect her to-morrow--pray for her, _Madre de
Dios_--pray for her!"

* * * * *

The piercing shriek of a steamboat whistle roused the woman just as
the first harbingers of dawn spread over the river a crimson flush
that turned it into a stream of blood. The child was asleep. Ana bent
over her and left a kiss on her forehead. Then she stole out of the
room and into the study. Padre Diego lay sunk in his chair like a
monster toad. The woman threw him a look of utter loathing, and then
hastily descended into the _patio_. Ricardo lay under the _platano_
tree, sleeping heavily. She roused him with a kick.

"Up, man!" she cried, shaking him by the shoulder. "Padre Diego sends
you this money, and bids you go. He is well satisfied with your work."
She held out a roll of _pesos_.

The man, after much vigorous persuasion, got heavily to his feet.
"_Caramba, senorita_!" he muttered in a dazed voice. "That last
_tragito_--it was a bit too much, no? But--_Bien_, I would see the
good Padre. _Caramba_, my poor head! What rum! But, senorita, do me
the great favor to ask the good Padre to see me one little moment. I
must deliver this letter to him." He fumbled in his wallet and drew
out an envelope.

"He will not see you, Ricardo. He--"

"_Caramba_!" ejaculated the man loudly, as his senses returned. "But I
believe there is something wrong here! _Bien_, now I shall see the
Padre! I am responsible to him!" He pushed the woman aside and entered
the house.

Ana started after him, and seized his arm. A scuffle ensued, and
Ricardo's voice was loud and shrill as they reached the stairs. The
woman clung to him desperately. "Ricardo--anything you ask--double the
amount, if you will go! Leave the house--I will tell the Padre--I will
give him the letter--"

"_Caramba_, but I will see him myself!" shouted the lightheaded
Ricardo.

"_Dios y diablo_!" A heavy voice rolled down from above. "_Bien,
enamorada_, is this the paramour whom you hid in your room last night?
_Caramba_, you might have chosen a handsomer one!"

Ana sank down with a moan and buried her face in her hands. Diego
heavily descended the stairs. "Ha, Ricardo!" he exclaimed,
recognizing the man. "_Bien_, so it is you! And the girl?"

"I do not know, Padre," cried the man excitedly. "Senorita Ana, she
made me drunk last night. I brought the girl--I waited for you, but
the senorita--"

"_Caramba_, I understand!" replied Die