Then came from the acting-Bishop, Wenceslas, a mandate commissioning Diego upon a religio-political mission to the 266 interior city of Medellin. The now recovered priest smiled grimly when he read it. Then he summoned Ricardo.
“Prepare yourself, amigo,” he said, “for a work of the Lord. I go into the interior. You accompany me as far as Badillo, where we disembark for stinking Simití. And, amigo, do you secure a trustworthy companion. The work may be heavy. Meantime, my blessing and absolution.”
Then he sat down and despatched a long letter to Don Mario.
CHAPTER 28
“Rosendo,” said Josè one morning shortly thereafter, as the old man entered the parish house for a little chat, “a Decree has been issued recently by the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office whereby, instead of the cloth scapulary which you are wearing, a medal may be substituted. I have received several from Cartagena. Will you exchange yours?”
“Cierto, Padre––but,” he hesitated, “is the new one just as––”
“To be sure, amigo. It carries the same indulgences. See,” exhibiting the medal. “The Sacred Heart and the blessed Virgin. But I have arranged it to wear about the neck.”
Rosendo knelt reverently and crossed himself while Josè hung the new scapulary over his head. The old man beamed his joy. “Caramba!” he exclaimed, rising, “but I believe this one will keep off more devils than that old cloth thing you made for me!”