“But a larger bribe—”
“Is out of the question. His life would pay the penalty.”
“I don’t believe it. But enough of that,” says Ashley, impatiently. “Now tell me, father, of the Senorita de Quesada. Have you seen her to-night?”
The priest is silent. In his muteness, Ashley finds the confirmation of his worst fears.
“Speak, man!” he cries impatiently. “Do you know that the life and happiness of the senorita are more to me than my own existence? Speak!”
“She is in the church of San Pedro.”
“In whose company?”
“She is alone.”
“Alone in the church of San Pedro after midnight? What mean you?”
“She is a prisoner.”