“If the Alcalde were not such a fool, it would be impossible,” 284 he mused. “But––the combination––the isolation of Simití––the imbecility of Don Mario––the predicament of our little Josè––Hombre! it is a rare situation, and it will work. It must work––cielo! With the pig-headed Alcalde seizing government arms to suppress the Church party as represented by the foolish Josè, and with the President sending federal troops to quell the disturbance, the anticlericals will rise in a body throughout the country. Then Congress will hastily pass the measure to support the President, the Church party will swing into line with the Government––and the revolution will be on. Simití provides the setting and the fuel; I, the torch. I will cable again to Ames when I leave the Governor.” He swung the door open and went briskly out.
“Padre, I am crushed.”
It was Rosendo who spoke. He and Josè were sitting out in the gathering dusk before the parish house on the evening of the day that Ana’s babe had been christened. The old man’s head was sunk upon his breast, and he rocked back and forth groaning aloud.
“We must be brave, Rosendo,” returned Josè tenderly. “We have gone through much, you and I, since I came to Simití. But––we have believed it to be in a good cause. Shall we surrender now?”
“But, Padre, after it all, to have her babe come into the world blind! God above! The poor child––the poor child! Padre, it is the last thing that I can endure. My ambition is gone. I cannot return now to Guamocó. Let come what may, I am done.”
“Rosendo,” said Josè, drawing his chair closer to the old man, and laying a hand on his, “we have fought long and hard. But, if I mistake not, the greatest struggle is yet to come. The greatest demand upon your strength and mine is still to be made.”
Rosendo raised his head. “What mean you, Padre?”
Josè spoke low and earnestly. “This: Juan returned from Bodega Central this evening. He reports that several large boxes are there, consigned to Don Mario, and bearing the government stamp. He found one of them slightly broken, and he peered within. What think you it contained? Rifles!”
Rosendo stared at the priest dumbly. Josè went on: