Then he rose hastily, and made as if to pursue the soldiers. Josè and Don Jorge restrained him.
“Hombre!” cried Don Jorge, “but it is the hand of Providence! It is better so! Listen, friend Rosendo, it but gives us time to act! Perhaps many days! When the mistake is discovered they will return, and they will bring her back unharmed––though they may not learn until she reaches Cartagena! Bien, we can not waste time in mourning now! Courage, man! Think––think hard!”
Rosendo strove to unravel his tangled wits. Josè went to him and clasped his big hand.
“Rosendo––friend––would you have it different? I––I alone am to blame that they took Anita! But––it was to save––to save––Ah, God! if I did wrong, take the American’s revolver and shoot me!” He tore open his cassock and stood rigid before the dazed man. Anguish and soul-torture had warped his features.
“Caramba! Enough of such talk!” cried Don Jorge impatiently. “We shall find plenty of others more deserving of shooting, I think! The girl––where is she?”
Reed turned back into the parish house, and emerged a moment later with Carmen and Doña Maria, who knew not as yet of Ana’s departure. “I hid them in your bedroom, Padre,” Reed explained.
Josè threw him a look of gratitude. “Doña Maria,” he cried, “do you take Carmen into your house and await our decision! And you, men, go into my study! It is as Don Jorge says, we must act quickly! Leave your flag hanging, Mr. Reed! It may serve to protect us further against the angry people of Simití!”
The five men quickly gathered in Josè’s living room in a strained, excited group. The priest was the first to speak. Rapidly he related in detail Don Mario’s last confession. When he had closed, Reed made reply.
“Old man,” he said, familiarly addressing Josè, “having seen the girl, I do not at all wonder that blood has been shed over her. But to keep her another hour in Simití is to sacrifice her. Get her away––and at once! If not, the people will drive you out. I talked with Fernando last night. With the soldiers gone, the people will rise up against you all.”