d as I now see
you?"

"For a good reason, _amigo_. It adds to our security, giving all sorts
of opportunities. Throughout Mexico, the cowl of the monk is the best
passport a man could be provided with. Wearing it, we go about among
the mountain villages without suspicion, the people believing that this
old monastery, so long abandoned as to have been forgotten, has again
become the dwelling-place of a religious order. Of course we don't
allow any of the rustics to approach it. Luckily, they are not curious
enough to care for that, against the toil of climbing up here. If they
attempt it, we have sentinels to stay them. For ourselves, we have
learned to play the part of the holy friar, so that there would be
difficulty in detecting the counterfeit. As it chances, we have with us
one or two who once wore the cowl. These perverts have taught us all
the tricks and passwords current among the fraternity. Hitherto they
have availed us, and I trust will, till the time arrives for our casting
off our cassock, and putting on the soldier's coat. That day is not
distant, Don Florencio; nearer than I expected, from what my comrades
have told me since we came up. The State of Oaxaca is disaffected; as,
indeed, the whole southern side of Acapulco, and a _grito_ is
anticipated ere long--possibly within a month. Alvarez, who controls in
that quarter, will be the man to raise it; and the old Pinto chief will
expect to be joined by the `Free Lances.' Nor will he be disappointed.
We are all burning to be at it. So, caballero, you see how it is with
us. And now," he added, changing tone and looking his listener
earnestly in the face, "I have a question to put to yourself."

"What?" asked the Irishman, seeing that he hesitated putting it.

"Will you be one of us?"

It was now Kearney's turn to hesitate about the answer he ought to make.
A proposition fraught with such consequences required consideration.
To what would he be committing himself if he consented? And what if he
should refuse? Besides, under the circumstances, was he free to refuse?
That of itself was a question, a delicate one. He and his comrade,
Cris Rock, owed their escape to this strange man, whatever he might be;
and to separate from him now, even under full permission, would savour
of ingratitude. Still more, after listening to what was further said.
For, noting his embarrassment, and deeming it natural enough, the
Mexican hastened to relieve him.