‘And you suggest that this Father Kehler——?’
‘Herr Kehler,’ I corrected. ‘This man is no more a priest than I am. He is believed to be the agent of a Chicago Trust, which desires to see Cuba brought within the Union.’
‘We shall find out whether he is a priest,’ was the retort. ‘Before he can say Mass in this diocese he will have to apply for permission, and to show his ordination papers.’
‘But if he does not wish to say Mass? If he merely confines himself to directing the Sister whom he has conducted here?’
‘In that case we cannot interfere. We have no more proof that she is a Sister than that he is a priest?’
I gave Monsignor X—— an indignant look, which he bore with coolness.
‘Besides, what is it that you apprehend?’ he asked. ‘One cannot deal with imaginary dangers.’
‘I am sure that these two persons are bent on some desperate enterprise—that their presence in Havana bodes no good to the cause of peace,’ was all I could find to say.
The ecclesiastic made a scornful gesture.
‘It appears to me that this is a matter which concerns the police,’ he said, in a tone which signified that the interview was at an end.