Candiola, alarmed at these words, entered the convent gate. Father Luengo took Montoria down the Coso.
At the same time there began to be heard among the soldiers there an angry murmur which indicated sentiments hostile to the father of Mariquilla, who, accustomed to this sort of thing, did not realize that it was anything unusual. He tried to get away, as they pushed him from one to the other; but they held him, and, without knowing exactly how, he was brought swiftly into the cloister by the threatening group. Then a voice cried, in angry accents,—
"To the well, throw him into the well!"
Candiola was seized by many hands, pounded and torn, and pulled about more than ever before.
"He is one of those who go about distributing French bribes to the troops," said one.
"Yes, yes!" cried others. "Yesterday they say that he was walking about in the market distributing money."
"Gentlemen," said the unfortunate man, in a choked voice, "I swear to you that I have never distributed any money."
And this was the truth.
"Last night they say he was seen sneaking over into the French camp."
"He did not come back until morning. To the well with him!"