“Diablo! but I will do nothing of the kind!” exploded the Alcalde. “Caramba! let Diego come and look after his own brat!”
“Then we shall consider the interview at an end, no?”
“But my thirty pesos oro?”
“To-night. And as much more for additional supplies. We are still working together, are we not, Don Mario?” he added suggestively.
Josè in Simití with money discounted a million Diegos fleeing through the jungle. The Alcalde’s heavy face melted in a foolish grin.
“Cierto, buen Padre! and––La Libertad?”
“I have strong hopes,” replied Josè with bland assurance, while a significant look came into his face. Then he rose and bowed the Alcalde out. “And, Don Mario––”
He put a finger on his lips.
“––we remain very silent, no?”
“Cierto, Padre, cierto! I am the grave itself!”