The fallen Alcalde roused himself by a mighty effort. Forgetting for the moment his own dire predicament, he opened his heart. Josè sat before him in wide-mouthed astonishment. Don Mario’s confession brought a revelation that left him cold. The lieutenant entered again.
“One moment,” said Josè. Then, to Don Mario: “And Carmen?”
Don Mario leaned close to the priest and whispered low. 324 “No, she is not Diego’s child! And, Padre, take her away, at once! But out of the country! There is not an inch of ground in all Colombia now where she would be safe from Don Wenceslas!”
Josè’s head sank upon his breast. Then he again took Don Mario’s hand.
“Friend,” he said gravely, “rest assured, what you have told me saves at least one life, and removes the sin with which your own was stained. And now,” rising and turning to the waiting lieutenant, “we are ready.”
Ora pro nobis! Ora pro nobis! Santa Virgen, San Salvador, ora pro nobis!
A few minutes later a sharp report echoed through the Simití valley and startled the herons that were seeking their night’s rest on the wooded isle. Then Josè de Rincón, alone, and with a heart of lead, moved slowly down through the dreary village and crossed the deserted plaza to his lowly abode.