“True, amigo,” returned Josè; “but the strangers who arrived this afternoon––who are they, and whence?”
“Two Americanos, Padre, and miners.”
Josè studied a moment. “Fernando––you would aid me? Bien, get word to the stranger who speaks both English and Spanish. Bring him here, secretly, and stand guard yourself while I talk with him.”
“Gladly, Padre,” returned the penitent fellow, as he hastened quietly away.
An hour later Josè was again roused by Fernando tapping on the door.
“Open, Padre. Fear not; only the Americano will enter. Don Mario does not know.”
Josè lifted the prop and swung the door open. Rosendo stood with uplifted machete. A man entered from the blackness without. Josè quickly closed the door, and then addressed him in English.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed the stranger in a mellow voice. “I had no idea I should find any one in this God-forsaken town who could speak real United States!”
Josè drew him into the sacristía. Neither man could see the other in the dense blackness.