The Alcalde saw that he had gone a bit too far. “Bueno, then,” he amended. “We will cancel both the fine and Padre Diego’s debt to Rosendo, and the sentence shall be reduced to––what say you all?”
“A month in the jail, Don Mario, no more,” suggested one.
An exclamation of approval from the crowd drowned the protest which Josè sought vainly to voice. Rosendo rose quickly; but Fernando and others seized him.
“Bien, it is approved,” bawled the Alcalde, waving his thick arms. “Take the prisoner to the cárcel, Señor Policía,” turning to the constable.
“And the girl, Señor the Alcalde––when will you send her to her father?” called some one.
“Yes, Don Mario, she must be taken to Padre Diego at once,” piped a woman’s shrill voice.
“Bien,” shouted the Alcalde, following his words with a long, coarse laugh, “I was wise enough to know what you would decide, and sent the girl down the river last night!”