ters high. Within two days, they will be as
high as a man. I have not allowed them to use anything but the best
of wood. Do you want to look at the cellar?"

The workmen saluted him respectfully.

"Here is the system of drainage which I have taken the liberty to
add," said Nor Juan. "These underground canals lead to a cesspool
about thirty feet off. It will serve to fertilize the garden. This
was not in the plans. Do you object to it?"

"Quite on the contrary, I approve of it and I congratulate you on
your idea. You are a true architect. From whom did you learn the
profession?"

"From myself, senor," replied the modest old man.

"O, yes! Before I forget it: let the scrupulous people know (for
some may fear to speak to me) that I am no longer excommunicated. The
Archbishop invited me to dine with him."

"Pshaw! senor! We don't take any notice of excommunications. We are
all excommunicated. Dather Damaso is himself; however, he goes on,
as fat as ever."

"How's that?"

"I feel sure about it. A year ago he gave the coadjutor a blow with
his cane, and the coadjutor is as much a priest as he. Who takes any
notice of excommunications, senor?"

Ibarra caught sight of Elias among the workmen. He saluted him like
the others, but with a look that gave Ibarra to understand that he
wanted to speak with him.

"Nor Juan," said Ibarra, "will you bring me a list of the workmen?"

Nor Juan disappeared and Ibarra approached Elias, who was alone,
raising a large stone and loading it in a cart.

"If you are able, senor, to grant me some hours of conversation, come
this afternoon to the shore of the lake and embark in my banca, for I
want to talk with you about some serious matters," said Elias. Ibarra
gave a nod of assent and went away.

Nor Juan brought the list, but Ibarra read it in vain. The name of
Elias was not on it.

CHAPTER XXX

THE VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED.

Before the sun went down, Ibarra put his foot into Elias's banca
on the shore of the lake. He seemed displeased about something,
as though he had been opposed or contradicted.

"Pardon me, senor," said Elias on seeing him. "Pardon me for having
ventured to make this appointment with you. I would like to speak
with you freely, and here we have no witnesses. We can return within
an hour."

"You are mistaken, friend Elias," replied Ibarra, trying to smile. "You
will have to take me to that town over there, where you see that
belfry. Fate obli