There was the flicker of a candle to be seen under the door.
They entered, and there at the table sat Mariano munching silently on his midnight supper.
"Where have you been?" was the surprised question of both old men, speaking as one person.
"Me? I've been to Barcelona to give the letter to the Bishop—the last diligence had gone," said the boy with his mouth full of bread.
"To Barcelona—ten miles, and back?"
"Me? Yes."
"Did you walk?"
"No, I ran."
Father Gonzales looked at Grandfather Fortuny, and Grandfather Fortuny looked at Father Gonzales; then they both burst out laughing. Mariano placed an extra plate on the table, and the three drew up chairs.